The numbers in the October Tax Report from the Natchitoches Tax Commission are up better than they’ve been in a while according to Administrator Jerry McWherter. He attributes this to an increase in audit activity, where they’ve collected some substantial outside audits. Unlike sales tax, audits are situational and collections can occur at any time during the year.

The report reflects September sales, which are up $121,000 year to date and up $14,000 for the month. McWherter said these numbers are good.

The numbers for the School Board may be a bit misleading because they contain July, August and September 1/2 cent sales tax collections. The increase in the 1/2 cent sales tax was passed this year and became effective July 1. Collections are up $372,000 for the month, which is a 36 percent increase. Year to date the collections are up $565,000, which is a 5.98 percent increase.

The Parish is breaking even, which McWherter said is doing well. “They had a good year,” he said. The Parish is maintaining the revenue it has and that’s a good thing. That, consistency and some solid numbers are allowing Natchitoches to break even, unlike other municipalities in the state.

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