Several factors have contributed to Brookhaven’s strong salestax collections in recent months and the city’s ranking as growthleader in the area.

Since July, the start of a new state fiscal year, Brookhaven’ssales tax collections through December are up almost 18 percentcompared to same point in 2004. Since October, when the city’s newfiscal year began, collections are even better with an almost 27percent growth rate compared to the previous year.

Of course, 2004 didn’t have Hurricane Katrina. And Brookhaventhat year didn’t see an influx of evacuees, some of whom havedecided to stay and make a home in Homeseekers’ Paradise.

While Katrina has certainly played a role in Brookhaven’s salestax success, it is not the only reason – as Mayor Bob Massengillpointed out last week.

Strong retail establishments and automobile dealerships haveattracted people from surrounding areas to Brookhaven. However,equally important – if not more so – are Brookhaven and LincolnCounty residents shopping locally.

Those local sales tax dollars help fund street improvements,police and fire protection, recreational opportunities and avariety of other services that are used by city and countyresidents and visitors to the community.

Brookhaven can be thankful to have good merchants who offerquality goods and services and local residents who give them theopportunity to do business. With that continued relationship,Brookhaven will continue to grow economically and as a retail tradecenter in southwest Mississippi.