March offered mediocre sales tax collections for Brookhaven asthe city’s total was down from a strong March 2006, according todata from the Mississippi Tax Commission.

Although down almost $22,000 from March 2006’s $398,393.85,Mayor Bob Massengill said city officials still were pleased withthe $376,583.07 collected for March 2007.

“It was not quite what we budgeted, but it was close,”Massengill said.

The city has budgeted to collect $380,000 a month from salestax.

For March, Brookhaven placed 26th in the state amongmunicipalities’ collections rankings. Brookhaven surpassed Brandonby a mere $200, and Greenwood was not far behind with almost$375,000 in sales tax collections.

For the fiscal year to date, Brookhaven was off its 2006 pace byalmost $154,000. So far in 2007, the city has collected$3,490,389.45 versus $3,644,286.39 at the same point in 2006.

Massengill continued to stress the importance of Brookhaven andLincoln County residents shopping at home.

“It helps not only the merchants, but the city as well,” themayor said. “We depend on local purchases for sales tax that isneeded to run the city.”