Taxable sales up in Clark County

Thursday, March 18, 1999 | 11:33 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Led by business in bars, restaurants and car dealerships, Nevada's taxable sales in January grew by 7.6 percent compared to the same month in 1998.

The state Tax Department reported Wednesday taxable sales rose to $2 billion as the Nevada economy hummed along.

"We're holding our own and I don't see any downturn," said Department Director Dave Pursell.

For the fiscal year, sales tax collections are up 8.9 percent. The Economic Forum, on which the state budget is based, had forecasted a 6.9 percent increase this year. This, coupled with strong receipts from the gaming tax, should give legislators extra money to spend come May when the new tax predictions are made.

The department said taxable sales reported by eating and drinking places statewide rose 13.7 percent, car sales were up 9.3 percent, general merchandise stores rose 12.6 percent, home furniture jumped 14.7 percent and apparel businesses climbed 19.5 percent.

The agency said taxable sales in Clark County reached $1.4 billion, up 10.6 percent.

In Clark County, sales by auto dealers were reported up by 13.7 percent, with apparel stores up 21.5 percent, home furnishings up 21.9 percent, and eating and drinking places up 16.8 percent. General merchandise stores were up 15.8 percent, wholesale trade rose 8.3 percent and sale in food stores grew by 3.8 percent.

In Washoe County, taxable sales rose 3 percent to $322 million. They increased 12.6 percent in Carson City to $51.2 million, but fell 8.3 percent in Nye County to $17.9 million.

Counties that depend on mining reported decreases that are sometimes attributable to the lack of purchases of heavy equipment. Elko County sales dipped to $47.7 million, down 11.2 percent. Humboldt was off 19.6 percent to $25.7 million and Eureka dropped 26.2 percent to $25.7 million.