April Town sales tax revenues strong

The $36,016 reported in sales tax revenues to the La Conner Town Council in April by the state’s Department of Revenue is the second highest ever for the month, only behind 2022’s record $44,210 and only the second April above $36,000.

The Special Use Fire Tax Revenues had a matching dip. The $3,594 was $802 less than last year but again the second highest total for the month.

February was cold, which influenced tourist visits. It is early in the year to find trends in the reduced revenue totals.

Overnight stays remained high. The $10,592 in motel/hotel revenue was the highest April report ever, $192 above 2022.

Revenues from the four wastewater operation funds continue to exceed projections, with the $96,703 for drainage fees and the $121,938 in compost fees and sales boosting the town’s revenues. Expenses for those two funds are lower than budgeted, but higher expenses may be allocated for later in 2023.

Property tax collection, at $103,626 is 38% above last year’s same month total. REET (Real Estate Excise Tax) revenue, at $1,825, is tiny compared to the $15,300 reported last April.

Data are from February and reported by the Department of Revenue on a two month time lag. Sales tax totals are based on collections from town businesses and online purchases delivered to La Conner addresses.

La Conner has a calendar fiscal year.