Sales taxes on target with Economic Forum projections

May was a solid if not spectacular month for sales taxes in Nevada.

Taxable sales came in 6.1 percent higher than May 2000 - totaling just under $2.7 billion.

"With what's happening nationwide with the economy, I still think Nevada is doing pretty good," said taxation Director Dave Pursell.

At the same time, the actual sales tax revenues collected by the state did even better, rising 7.77 percent for the month.

Pursell said with just one month remaining in fiscal 2001, that puts the state on track to meet the 5.3 percent increase in revenue projected by the Economic Forum. The projection is used to build the state's budget.

"I don't see anything out there that would indicate June is going to be any different," Pursell said.

The largest increase in statewide sales came from automotive dealers and gasoline sales, which increased 10.4 percent.

Clark County reported $1.9 billion in taxable sales - a 6.8 percent jump from last year - while Washoe sales came in 4.5 percent higher than May 2000 at $428.9 million.

Carson City reported a 9.9 percent increase to $71.1 million for the month, and Douglas County a 19.8 percent rise to $49.9 million.

Lyon County, which has been experiencing strong growth in both the Fernley area and the Dayton corridor, reported 36.4 percent higher sales - $25.1 million for the month.