City of Cameron sees rise in sales tax income over period

The City of Cameron has seen a slight rise in sales tax income over the last few months during the COVID pandemic.

Economic Development Director Ginger Watkins reported to the Cameron City Council during a meeting Oct. 5 that the city has surprisingly seen a rise in sales tax income reported last period.

“Despite really dire predictions about sales tax revenue in the face of COVID, our sales tax revenue was higher this year than it was the year before by almost $2,500,” Watkins said. “That doesn’t sound like a lot, but that is a lot for a small city.”

She said when you look at that you want to find a way to support those businesses that are gaining.

“When you look at it when you dig into it there is one big bucket that you can’t nail down, the other bucket,” she said. “Those are businesses that are new or don’t think they fit 

into one of the other categories. Past that we see that gas stations and convenience stores are in second and goods an services or restaurants are in third.”

She said that is a very good thing considering that last few months to see that our restaurants have been able to pivot to curbside and delivery during COVID.

Wired and communication carriers were also on the list of top 10 areas of sales tax.

In other business the council also: approved conveying property held in trust by Milam County; approved a Fall Festival in Downtown Cameron presented by Chelle Fiscella; approved an ordinance establishing a Tax Increment Financing Zone; and approved the Fire Chief and City Manager to negotiate a loan to purchase a fire truck.