SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - The City of Southaven just set a record, and with all the bad news coming from city hall lately, it's finally something the town is proud to talk about.
While many in Southaven have been seeing red lately over the mayor's financial woes, that hasn't stopped the city from taking in plenty of green. The city is making more money in sales taxes than ever before.
Southaven's Kirkland's Home Store is bustling on a Tuesday afternoon, with shoppers contributing to the local economy with every transaction.
Apparently it's a trend. The city's latest sales tax numbers are the highest ever.
According to Southaven Alderman Ronnie Hale, the numbers for December 2011, which included a big boost from Christmas shopping, came in over $1.38 million. Hale says that's a record number, and he's expecting it to be a record year.
Sales taxes are 7% in Southaven, one of the lowest in the Mid-South. That's a big draw for shoppers.
The locals say the stores are getting more and more crowded as many from Memphis take their shopping needs across state lines. That's only expected to grow, Hale says, with more businesses slated to open in the area.
After months of dealing with money problems in the mayor's office, Hale says it's nice to talk about something positive for a change.
Sales taxes are the city's main source of revenue after property taxes. Last year, they took in almost $12 million.
