TOPEKA — Area sales taxes continue to slump this fall. Sales tax receipts were lower for most area governments in September and through the year. Economists regard sales taxes as a key indicator of retail sales and consumer purchasing. Franklin County’s collections were down 8.4 percent in September compared to last year. County sales tax revenue is down 9.5 percent for the state fiscal year which began July 1. Ottawa is down 7 percent in September and 8 percent for the fiscal year. However, Miami County showed a 4.1 percent increase in September. However, Miami County is down 2.8 percent for the fiscal year. Anderson County’s sales tax figures were down 6 percent in September. Anderson County is 17 percent down for the fiscal year. Osage County was off .3 percent in September. Osage County is down 3 percent for the fiscal year.
