Shop Local to Support Small Business
From farmers markets to local craft fairs, “shop local” has become a common phrase. Something that was second nature for the beginning part of the century has now become a conscious movement for millions of Americans trying to surge their local economies and keep dollars in the communities in which they live. Smithville is no different. Shopping local helps support small business and provides a boost in our sales tax revenue.
Texas imposes a state sales tax on all retail sales, leases and rentals of most goods, as well as taxable services. Texas cities, counties, transit authorities and special purpose districts have the option of imposing an additional local sales tax for a combined state and local tax rate of up to 8 1/4% (.0825). Of this total, the City of Smithville receives a 1.5% (.0125) monthly allocation which adds revenue to the General Fund. Monthly payments range from $30-50k depending upon the amount of local sales in the prior 2 months. In 2014, the City received $446k in sales tax revenue. This money was used to help defray the cost of street repair, police staffing, park maintenance, fire department equipment and a host of other public services the City provides. Below you will find a history of sales tax revenue from 2012 to 2015 for the City of Smithville. The data shows a positive trend year-over-year. Monthly sales tax allocations for any Texas city are available via the Texas Comptroller website à https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/allocation/AllocHist.jsp.
Smithville has many dining, lodging, and retail shopping venues open year-round. There are also several unique opportunities throughout the year to purchase non-perishable goods, perishable goods, arts and crafts. To this end, the first Trades Day of 2015 will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the 100-200 blocks of Main Street, Smithville. Trades Day(s) are held the third Saturday each month from March to December. Remember, SHOP LOCAL……it makes a difference.
