Reason for Hope
IN TODAY'S tough economic climate, any piece of good news is worth embracing.
Wednesday's weekly Belmont County commissioners' meeting generated a glimmer of economic optimism. County Auditor Andy Sutak delivered his monthly fiscal update, this one being well received by county officials.
Sutak noted that this month's sales tax revenue totals are up again by nearly $20,000. It continues an upward trend, foreign from Belmont County the last several years.
The latest figures put the county's sales tax yield $297,000 ahead of last year's pace. Sales tax revenue is a key indicator on the economic well-being of the county, reflecting the vitality of the business community.
Sutak delivered more good news Wednesday, noting that vehicle sales again showed an increase. Such big-ticket item purchases hopefully prove a harbinger of better times in the near future.
The sales tax numbers are embraced by county officeholders.
Sales tax is one of the top sources of revenue for the county. After several years of a steady spiral downward, the recent increase will serve as a nice complement to the fiscal restraint being shown by county commissioners.
We urge caution, however, in getting too excited about the numbers. We agree with Sutak who says, "It doesn't mean you can go out and spend that money, but it is a little cushion."
Sutak is right on the money. The $297,000 increase provides the county some insulation from future economic calamities, rather than a blank check to use frivolously.
County commissioners and department heads have displayed great fiscal restraint and teamwork in navigating through choppy economic waters. We hope the county coffers continue to ride the wave of an economic revival.
