Biggest jump in tax revenue is in Norman

Most metro-area cities experienced little to no change in August sales tax returns compared with the same period a year ago, according to a report released by the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Among the 23 cities tracked, Norman, Yukon and Chandler made the biggest increases in August sales tax revenues, while the remaining cities gained or decreased by 1 percent to 5 percent.

The sales tax report is based on sales from June 16 to July 15.

Norman received $4,234,535, up 16 percent from a year ago, and Yukon saw a 14 percent increase with a sales tax check of $1,343,474.

However, in August 2008, Norman’s sales tax rate was 3 percent, compared with today’s 3.5 percent rate.

Yukon City Clerk Doug Shivers said an increase in retail business during the past year helped his city see an increase in revenue.

The new businesses include a Target store.

Chandler saw a 9 percent jump in sales tax revenue. The city’s check was for $215,484.

City Manager James Melson attributed the boost to an increase in commercial construction.

Mustang and Choctaw each saw a 2 percent gain in sales tax revenue. Mustang received $648,212, and Choctaw received $196,720.

Oklahoma City showed the biggest decrease, when sales tax returns of $27,800,779 reflected a 5 percent drop from a year ago.

Other cities experiencing small declines include Noble, Edmond and The Village.

Noble’s revenue was $112,697, down 4 percent from a year ago. The Village saw a 3 percent decline, with $288,339, and Edmond dropped 1 percent with $3,481,278.

Oklahoma City showed the biggest decrease, when sales tax returns of $27,800,779 reflected a 5 percent drop.