Sales tax take lowest since 2010

McCOOK, Neb. -- Revenue from McCook's 1.5 percent sales tax is at its lowest point in six years, according to city reports through the first half of the fiscal year.

The City of McCook collected $1,221,157 from the tax during the first six months of the 2015-16 fiscal year, falling short of the prior year by more than $116,000 and missing budgeted revenue by $6,203. The last time city sales tax revenue started off the fiscal year with a lower mark was during the 2010-11 fiscal year when $1,208,336 was collected.

The City of McCook budgeted fiscal year runs from October to September. The first six months, October of 2015 through March of 2016, reflect tax receipts from purchases made in August of 2015 through January of 2016.

Voters renewed the local-option sales tax for 15 years in May of 2015, in addition to approving new language which gave the city additional spending flexibility.

The language states sales tax funds will be used to maintain the city's reduced request for property tax; for capital equipment; to improve, repair or replace city infrastructure, including but not limited to water quality improvements, city streets, parks and other public facilities; to repay or redeem water, sewer and other city debt; and to fund the continuation of the McCook Economic Development Program.