Rusk, Jacksonville break with statewide trend, post lackluster sales during January

While the state economy churned out a healthy 9.7 percent growth in March compared to a year ago, the local economy is moving into negative numbers.

The city of Jacksonville, which collects sales tax at a rate approximately four times greater than the rest of the county combined, posted a drop of almost six percent compared to a year ago.

For the first three months of the year, Jacksonville is also in negative territory with a cumulative decline of 4.75 percent.

Despite the bleak numbers from the north end of the county, other cities are posting gains.

In the year-to-date column, Alto is leading in sales tax rebates with an increase of 36.63 percent. Wells follows with 20.86 percent; Rusk with 12.9 and New Summerfield, 6.39; and Cuney, 2.44.

County sales taxes are also collected, and the Cherokee County auditor's office received a 20.56 increase for the first three months of the year, when figures from one year ago are compared.

State Comptroller Susan Combs called the Texas economy healthy, even though the national economy is showing signs of weakness in the housing sector.

Approximately $404 million in sales tax allocations were returned to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts.