Nevada's sales tax numbers down again in July

Taxable sales fell again in July, finishing the month 5.2 percent below the same month a year ago.

That is the 14th month in a row that statewide taxable sales have been down compared with the previous year.

In Carson City, the damage was worse as sales in the capital fell 10.5 percent. The culprit was largely auto sales, which fell more than 26 percent to just under $17 million for the month.

Total taxable sales for Carson City in July were $70.9 million.

Statewide, auto sales were better but still the worst performing major sales tax category at 13 percent off from a year ago. Auto sales have been down when compared with the same month a year before for the past 13 months.

Food and drinking places, health and personal-care stores, building materials, food and beverage stores, electronics and furniture sales were also all negative in the report issued by the Nevada Department of Taxation.

Although only eight of Nevada's 17 counties reported decreased taxable sales for July, that list included all of the largest counties including Clark, Douglas, Carson, Washoe and Elko.

Douglas was down just 4.3 percent to $61.2 million. There, a 35 percent increase in auto sales helped offset a near 12 percent decrease in eating and drinking places.

Washoe reported an 8.8 percent decrease to $522.1 million in July while Clark reported $2.8 billion, 4.9 percent less than July 2007.

And Storey County, which sees dramatic increases and decreases depending on economic activity at the Reno-Tahoe Industrial Park, saw a 76 percent reduction to $4.6 million.

The bright spots in Western Nevada were Churchill County where sales for the month increased 5.6 percent and Lyon which saw a 5.1 percent increase. Total sales in Churchill were $22.7 million. In Lyon, the total was $36 million.

- Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.

County Taxable Sales Change from 7/07

Statewide $3.78 billion -5.2%

Carson City $70.9 million -10.6%

Churchill $22.7 million 5.6%

Douglas $61.2 million -4.3%

Lyon $36 million 5.1%

Storey $4.6 million -75.7%

Washoe $522.1 million -8.8%

Clark County $2.8 billion -4.9%