Scary costumes, buckets of candy and spooky props result in goodtax dollars for the city of Brookhaven.

Sales tax numbers continue to increase month after month ascitizens choose to keep spending their hard-earned moneylocally.

“We appreciate the people shopping at home and the merchantsproviding the services to keep people home,” said Mayor LesBumgarner.

The Mississippi Department of Revenue diverted $400,856.55 to thecity for the month of November, from tax collections on sales madein October. This year’s total is roughly $27,000 more than lastyear’s numbers.

“We feel like it was a good month,” said Bumgarner. “Any time youtop $400,000 that’s considered to be a good month.”

Since the sales tax budget revenue makes up roughly 56 percent ofthe city’s budget, an increase in local shopping means the city isable to provide its citizens with more services.

“If we are above budget in sales tax, we’ll take that money and putit in paving,” said Bumgarner.

Officials are pleased with Brookhaven’s recent sales tax numbers,as the city ranks eighth among 20 cities closely related inproximity and population.

“Our numbers are staying consistent,” said Cliff Brumfield,Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce executive vicepresident. “Holding our rank and staying on par with larger citiescontinues to show that our local retail market is reallystrong.”

Brookhaven can boast nearly $6,000 more than Madison and about$14,000 more than McComb.

Brumfield attributed the town’s business success to the localstores that provide residents with a unique shoppingexperience.

“We consistently outsell many larger towns on a month-to-monthbasis,” said Brumfield. “A lot of that’s to do with the hard work,dedication and creativity of local retailers.”

The city also continues to see its monthly totals contribute to alarger yearly total than in 2009.

From July 1 to the current date, the city has captured$2,056,952.94 in sales tax revenue. The current figure is$71,334.34 higher than the total amount this time last year.

A continued yearly increase shows slow and steady growth inBrookhaven’s present economy.

“We hope to see this trend continue,” said Brumfield. “We’re notout of the woods yet, but we continue to get closer everymonth.”