Carson City, Nevada sales up in April

Nevada's taxable sales grew in April compared to the same month a year ago - the first increase in 20 months, according to a report released Monday by the state Department of Taxation.

Meanwhile, Carson City's taxable sales grew by 3.1 percent in April to $55.2 million.

That growth was helped by they city's largest tax generator, auto dealerships, which pulled in $13.8 million for an 11.5 percent increase, which is down from the 22.4 percent and 21 percent jumps auto dealers had in March and February respectively.

Carson City's restaurants and bars recorded an increase of 6.5 percent for $6.3 million. Even furniture retailers grew by .03 percent to $835,855.

Other retailers in the capital city, however, continued to struggle, including the city's second largest tax generator, general merchandise, which fell 12.8 percent to $9.4 million. Electronics and appliance retailers also fell 13.4 percent to $671,813.

Clark County grew by 3.5 percent in April while Washoe County fell by 7.1 percent.

While construction activity continued to drag on the state after falling 32.1 percent in April, auto dealers and home furnishing stores recorded double digit increases statewide.

Taxable sales are down nearly 12 percent for the 10 months since the fiscal year started on July 1, 2009.