Taxable sales up 6.4 percent statewide, higher in Carson City

Buoyed by strong automotive sales, statewide taxable sales rose 6.4 percent in August.

Carson City, where auto sales are the biggest single category, jumped to an 8.8 percent gain for the month compared to August 1999.

Douglas County showed another double digit increase - 15.9 percent.

Douglas has had a double digit increase for most of a year since major retail stores along Carson's southern border opened a year ago.

Statewide, taxable sales totaled $2.55 billion for the month. Carson City totals were $67.55 million and Douglas taxable sales $49.55 million.

Washoe County recorded a comparable increase in taxable sales with 6.1 percent more for $436 million in August while Clark County's totals jumped 7.5 percent to $1.82 billion.

Statewide, automotive sales were up 12.8 percent and general merchandise stores up 8.4 percent.

Gross revenue collections from sales and use taxes came to $183.3 million for August - a 7.13 percent increase over the same month in 1999.

Food stores were down for the month by 19.5 percent.

The biggest jump reported was in the amusement and recreation category which was up 31.4 percent statewide. The increase was partly attributable to family vacations prior to the start of school.

Gaming numbers are not included in sales taxes, however; such things as tickets to the New York, New York Hotel/Casino's roller coaster are counted.