For the second month in a row, sales tax numbers are down in Baxter County and the City of Mountain Home. Since that tax money is a big source of income for both entities, it raises concerns when the numbers are down compared to the same month the previous year.
The new April numbers, which reflect February spending, show Baxter County’s sales tax was down 3.5% or $16,021 when compared to last year. In March, it was down $5,865 or 1.3%.
In Mountain Home, in April, the sales tax was down 4.3% or $23,128. In March, it was down $18,519 or 3.5%.
Many factors can affect sales tax numbers each month including holidays, spending habits and weather. The weather could have been a factor the first two months of 2025. January went down as the sixth snowiest in Mountain Home history with 11 total inches. In February, 4 1/2 inches of snow fell and three record low temperatures were set, including two days with readings below zero.
Baxter County treasurer Jenay Mize says in addition to the weather, there was another big factor that affected the county sales tax numbers in February that were reported in April which makes her think there isn’t as much to worry about.
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Mize says she expects numbers to improve this summer.
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The Baxter County Treasurer says it has been since 2017 that the county has had a down year in tax collections.
Mountain Home City Treasurer Alma Clark says they are not given any reason from the state as to why the numbers are down, but she says they usually don’t stay down long.
Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams, appearing on KTLO-FM Friday morning with Heather Loftis, says it is a little worrisome with the numbers being down two months in a row.
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The last time the city had a down tax month was in June of last year.
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