By Michelle Price
UCBJ Managing Editor
UPPER CUMBERLAND – State sales tax collections took a hit in the Upper Cumberland as October’s report showed a 2.8-percent year-over-year decrease over the same period in 2017.
Nine counties saw decreases for the month, including Pickett, Warren and Van Buren, which saw double digit decreases. State sales tax collections were down 19.8, 18.6 and 13.7 percent in those counties, respectively. Decreases were also reported in DeKalb (-5.7), White (-5.5), Clay (-3.1), Macon (-1.9), Cumberland (-1.8), Fentress (-0.9) and Jackson (-0.8).
One county, Overton, was a bright spot in October. Collections there were up 4.1 percent, the largest gain for the month, surpassing the state collection by 0.5 percent. Collections also improved in Putnam (1.6), Smith (0.5) and Cannon (0.3).
Statewide, collections were up slightly, 3.6 percent.
Despite the poor monthly report, the Upper Cumberland is still showing a positive increase in collections quarterly, up 1.5 percent, and annually up 1.8 percent.
Collections, considered just one measure of economic activity, are based on state sales taxes; local option taxes are excluded. Data lags by one month; for example, February numbers reflect January activity.
| Counties | February | Year prior | Percent change |
| Cannon | $420,455 | $419,043 | 0.3 |
| Clay | $252,779 | $260,973 | -3.1 |
| Cumberland | $4,341,497 | $4,419,838 | -1.8 |
| DeKalb | $921,050 | $977,204 | -5.7 |
| Fentress | $746,895 | $753,908 | -0.9 |
| Jackson | $182,144 | $183,585 | -0.8 |
| Macon | $1,069,468 | $1,089,979 | -1.9 |
| Overton | $1,031,037 | $990,234 | 4.1 |
| Pickett | $221,644 | $276,509 | -19.8 |
| Putnam | $8,670,974 | $8,537,879 | 1.6 |
| Smith | $918,061 | $913,482 | 0.5 |
| Van Buren | $109,215 | $126,483 | -13.7 |
| Warren | $2,178,390 | $2,677,483 | -18.6 |
| White | $1,277,733 | $1,351,649 | -5.5 |
| UCDD | $22,341,342 | $22,978,249 | -2. |
| TN | $760,552,000 | $733,842,000 | 3.6 |
Source: Compiled by the Upper Cumberland Development District from data published by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
