Increase in retail sales tax revenue shown in Enid for 3rd consecutive month

For the third consecutive month, sales tax distributions in Enid have been greater this year than last year.

According to Oklahoma Tax Commission, about $2.01 million in sales taxes were received from Enid businesses in the second half of May. A portion of the receipts also were based off estimated sales June 1-15.

In 2009, about $1.97 million was collected during the same time frame.

Jon Blankenship, president and chief executive officer of Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, said the data represents a good trend for the city.

“During the first few months of 2010, we showed receipts that were lower than the previous year,” Blankenship said. “We’re seeing that trend turning around.”

Sales tax distributions in June were $1.910 million, just a bit higher than June 2009’s distributions of $1.909 million.

In May, distributions were $2.03 million, up significantly from $1.94 million the previous year.

In April, however tax distributions were only $1.85 million — less than the $1.97 million distributed in April 2009.

Kelly Goodwin, general manager of Oakwood Mall, said recent sales activity at the mall is reflective of the increase in sales tax distributions in Enid compared to the last several months.

“Mall-wide, sales are going well,” Goodwin said. “The economy here seems to be rebounding from previous levels.”

Goodwin said the mall has seen an increase in consumers and shoppers. He said he’s also seen more in-the-mall traffic on a daily basis.

While Enid’s tax receipts earlier in the year had been lower than in the same month in 2009, Blankenship said the problem wasn’t nearly as severe as it was in other counties and cities.

“I think that’s been true of Enid and northwest Oklahoma in general,” he said.

But although Enid’s sales tax distributions have increased, that isn’t necessarily an indication of a full-scale economic recovery — yet.

Other factors to consider, Blankenship said, are population growth, job growth and per capita income.

Another factor may be important in Enid’s economic recovery, Blankenship said, and that is the $20 million city bond issue for downtown development to be voted on in August.

“I think the bond issue will help Enid to improve in all (the above) areas,” he said.