KEN KREFFT
Contributing Columnist
The city of Shreveport’s 2.75% sales tax receipts are 17.4% above the midyear point in 2020.
Last year we were staying home more, shopping less. This year at the six-month mark, the city’s sales tax receipts add to $70,891,778.45. Last year it was $60,391,000.73. A large jump of $10,500,777.72, or 17.4%.
This is the best year-over-year sales tax hike ever recorded. Even when this year is compared to midyear of 2019, it is an increase of $8,271,737.48, or an 11.7% jump.
Sales tax revenue is deposited into the general fund. This fund is the “Big Dog.” Most salaries and health-care and retirement costs are general fund debits.
A strong sales collection tax helps in preparing a 2022 budget for many department heads, including police, fire, public works, SPAR, engineering/environmental services and finance. It does not cover water/sewer, airports and other funds.
It could mean that many of the city’s “unfunded needs” can be funded for 2022.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.