Wilson sales tax revenues skyrocket

Wilson County sales tax revenues showed a nearly $1 million gain in sales tax revenue collections in January as compared to December.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue released Thursday sales tax revenues for Wilson County that showed totals for January increased about $14,000 shy of $1 million compared to December, which was up from November’s $2.7 million but down compared to October’s nearly $2.92 million. January’s $3.87 million eclipsed all months during the final quarter of 2012.

Local government officials have said the reports are actually about a month behind, which would explain January’s higher-than-normal total as pre-Christmas spending in Wilson County.

In Lebanon, sales tax collections led the way with $1.78 million in January, an increase of more than $330,000 from December’s $1.45 million and an increase from November’s $1.41 million.

Mt. Juliet’s sales tax revenues remained a close second among Wilson County cities but showed the most substantial growth, collecting nearly $1.67 million compared to $1.1 million in December, just more than $1 million in November and $1.12 million in October.

In Watertown, sales tax revenues also increased nearly $3,000 in January to nearly $23,000 compared to December. Watertown’s collections were more than $17,500 in November and nearly $21,000 in October.

Collections in unincorporated areas of Wilson County nearly doubled at $401,000 in January compared to nearly $274,000 in December, $282,000 in November and $356,000 in October.