March’s sales tax numbers made a slight rebound from February’ssales tax numbers, offering hope for a better future ahead,according to the latest totals from the Mississippi Department ofRevenue.

Brookhaven’s sales tax numbers for March, which represent salesmade in February, came in at $400,912.36, $12,536.40 more than thistime last year and $43,361.81 more than February’s sale totals.February’s numbers represented sales made in January.

“A nice increase over last February’s income, which is showingwe are continuing to see some improvement,” said Brookhaven-LincolnChamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Cliff Brumfield.

While Brookhaven shakes off the holiday slump, the city stillfound itself behind the likes of McComb and Natchez by $47,219.73and $25,772.89, respectively, in March. However, Brookhaven’s Marchsales tax numbers were better than Richland’s $321,393.88,Clinton’s $335,841.15, Grenada’s $345,268.54 and Ocean Spring’s$357,655.98 sales tax numbers for March.

“For a town our size we’re holding strong,” said Brumfield.

While the sales tax numbers have been on a roller coaster ridelately, Brookhaven is still $87,111.78 more than what the city’stotals were this time last year during the fiscal year.

From July 1 to date, Brookhaven’s sales tax numbers continue totrail McComb and Natchez. Brookhaven’s $3,690,381.99 from July 1 todate is $122,728.56 behind McComb and $117,174.26 behindNatchez.

The up and down ride of sales tax could continue in the future,but brighter days could be ahead. Brumfield said March’s numbersshould hopefully go up and then could possibly fall in April, butthe months of May and June could be promising.

“As warmer months come, we should see these numbers increase,”said Brumfield.

During the upcoming months, Brumfield added that he will belooking toward strong fuel sales, automotive-related businesses,clothing shops and specialty stores to keep Brookhaven salesstrong.

“As things continue to improve it’s important to remember toshop at home for as many items as possible, especially for thosebig-ticket items,” he said. “This is the best way for us to make apositive impact on next month’s return.”