There’s reason for optimism on the home front, as the latest sales tax report for Brookhaven showed a continuing upward trend.

December data from the state Department of Revenue, which records taxes collected in November, reported more than $428,000 in sales tax revenue was collected in the city during the month.

That figure reflects a significant increase from the previous November’s sales tax receipts, which amounted to $397,000.

For most of 2012, the city saw each month’s sales tax numbers improve over the same month in 2011.

As Mayor Les Bumgarner noted, “… That’s a good indication that the economy’s coming back, and we’re growing with it.”

Brookhaven’s sales numbers are comparing well to other nearby cities. In November 2012, McComb collected nearly $429,000 in sales tax revenue, while Natchez took in $441,000 in sales tax receipts.

While Natchez’s November numbers reflected a $13,000 improvement over November 2011 collections, McComb saw a $7,000 decrease this November compared to the previous year.

With December 2012 sales numbers still to come in, the news on the sales horizon is looking good locally. Since the current fiscal year began in July 2012, Brookhaven has collected approximately $2.5 million in sales tax revenue. That amounts of an increase of about $60,000 over the same period in the previous fiscal year.

Brookhaven’s steady improvement in sales tax revenue demonstrates a strengthening economy and is yet another reason for confidence. We all can help bolster that resurgence by remembering to shop at home.