Brookhaven’s sales tax collections last month continued a strongtrend and the city is off to a good start in the new state fiscalyear, according to totals from the Mississippi Tax Commission.

At $401,265.09 for August, Brookhaven’s collections were up morethan $70,000 over the August 2005 total of $329,233.16. Cityofficials were pleased with the totals for what is typically a slowmonth.

“We’re excited about that,” said Mayor Bob Massengill.

The city’s total last month placed it at No. 24 in thestate.

August’s totals represent sales made in July. Massengill saidthe August total bodes well for next month’s figures, which shouldreflect an increase due to back-to-school shopping.

Massengill and City Clerk Mike Jinks said it is a good month anytime the total is over $400,000.

“It’s been above $400,000 all but one month in the last year,”Jinks said.

To date in the state fiscal year, which started July 1,Brookhaven has taken in $810,149.88. That is up more than $100,000compared to the $694,696.18 collected at the same point in fiscalyear 2005.

City officials were also pleased with the yearly growth.

“Percentage-wise, we’re doing well in our area,” said Jinks,alluding to a 16.6 percent increase in yearly collections.