Sales tax numbers show huge decline

Construction numbers look the worst

Sales tax numbers in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte continue to decline.

October figures in Crested Butte show that compared to 2008, revenues were down 26 percent. This year, $93,800 was collected, compared to $127,093 a year ago.
“That’s the biggest percentage decline I’ve ever seen since I’ve been here,” Crested Butte finance director Lois Rozman said.
In Mt. Crested Butte, the October decline was even worse. Sales tax revenues were off a whopping 49 precent in October of 2009 compared to October 2008. Just $30,100 was collected for the month.
The biggest hit in Crested Butte for October came in the construction and hardware category, which was down a whopping 37 percent. Bars and restaurants were off 26 percent, while retail was down 24 percent, the same percentage as grocery sales.
For the first 10 months of the year, Crested Butte sales tax is off 10.3 percent. Construction numbers lead the decline for the year through October, being off 20 percent.
Mt. Crested Butte sales tax is off about 16.4 percent for January through October.