Taxable sales still soaring

Thursday, June 23, 2005 | 11:03 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- For the 16th consecutive month, taxable sales in Clark County posted a double-digit increase in April, spurred in part by purchases of building supplies and cars.

The state Department of Taxation Wednesday reported that taxable sales, one indicator of the health of the valley's economy, reached $2.7 billion in Clark County, up 11.1 percent from a year ago. The jump comes on top of a strong performance in April 2004, when taxable sales increased by 13.8 percent.

Statewide, merchants reported $3.6 billion in sales, a 10.6 percent increase from April 2004.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said Wednesday, "The statewide taxable sales increase of 10.6 percent for April 2005 and the 14 percent increase for the fiscal year continue to demonstrate confidence in Nevada's economy and business climate."

The state received $75 million from its 2 percentage-point portion of the sales tax, an increase of 14.6 percent from the past year. And sales tax collection for the state so far this fiscal year total $732.1 million, a 15.5 percent increase over the prior year.

Sale of building materials in Clark County reached $199.9 million, a 10.1 percent gain and the 12th consecutive double-digit increase. Car sales totaled $394.1 million, a 13.5 percent gain. In 16 of the last 17 months, motor vehicle sales have recorded double-digit percentage-point jumps.

The department said wholesale trade in Clark County produced $169.6 million, up 20.4 percent; general merchandise stores posted a 7.8 percent gain to $197.5 million; clothing stores rose 13.5 percent to $145.4 million and home furniture sales increased 9 percent to $153.6 million.

Bar and restaurant businesses posted $577.3 million, up 6.4 percent in April in Clark County.

Statewide, sale of durable goods in wholesale trade rose 17.2 percent to $249.3 million; Building materials were up 7.9 percent to $288.7 million and general merchandise stores posted a 6.4 percent gain to $285.8 million.

The department said auto sales rose 13.2 percent statewide to $568.4 million; clothing stores were up 12.4 percent to $161 million; home furniture sales increased 6.2 percent to $198.2 million and eating and drinking places posted a 5.6 percent increase to $679.7 million.

The department said taxable sales in Washoe County rose 5.9 percent to $529.2 million; Douglas County sales were off 0.4 percent, down to $61.9 million; Carson City business rose 6.5 percent to $78.8 million and Elko County posted a 3.6 percent gain in taxable sales to $70.6 million.