Allen Parish’s finances increased from sales tax collections reported in September 2020 (taxes collected from August) to October 2020 (taxes collected from September).
Effects of a virus and two hurricanes on the economy did play a part in the ups and downs of taxes collected over the last months, both positively and negatively, according to those in the business of collecting those taxes.
“We’ve seen some increases due to the storms,” said Pat Latigue, sales tax administrator for the Allen Parish School Board. She explained some stores see increased revenue during storms like groceries, supplies, etc. Tourism and occupancy funds have seen more bookings after the hurricane due to volunteers and workers coming into the parish to assist others in recovery and occupying hotel rooms, etc.
Tammi Ritchie, finance director for the school board added, “We have been very blessed holding on this year.” She said hopefully the trend continues.
Latigue and Ritchie oversee collections and compile reports to keep track of the area’s economy. Those reports indicate growth and decline in areas where taxes are utilized to run local governments and other departments. It’s the public’s support through shopping locally, paying taxes on goods and services, etc. in this parish that help the economy to prosper.
October’s monthly collections report indicated the only negative account or drop in funds collected between 2019 and 2020 for the same time period occurred in Reeves with a decline of only $137.97 or a negative 3.69 percent. In the year-to-date collections, comparisons between October 2019 and 2020, indicate three areas saw declines in revenue. This included Reeves ($6,309.05 less or 12.40 percent), the Allen Parish Occupancy Tax ($6,937.63 less or 13.49 percent) and Allen Parish Tourist Commission ($20,812.90 less or 13.49 percent).
Last month’s collection showed a little different report between 2019 and 2020 with declines in Kinder (difference of $6,028.99), City of Oakdale (difference of $9,111.97), Town of Kinder Library/Sewage (difference of $1,808.85), Allen Parish Occupancy Tax (difference of $34.68) and Allen Parish Tourist Commission (difference of $104.07). A variety of things can contribute to differences and increases according to Latigue and Ritchie such as projects, big purchases, etc.
October’s collections appeared to indicate a better collections report for parish with the occupancy tax and tourist commission seeing increases of 187.35 percent more revenue flowing into the sales tax collections account for these two departments. The school board, police jury and local communities, excluding Reeves all saw increases in collections.
Remember to support your community by purchasing locally when possible.
