Woodland Park reports 2.3% year‑to‑date sales tax gain; lodging tax falls 15.2%

City finance staff reported to the Woodland Park City Council on Jan. 16 that year‑to‑date sales tax collections through November 2024 were $7,693,621, an increase of 2.3% (about $174,000) over the prior year, and that November collections were up 0.4% compared with the same month a year earlier.

“As of year to date, we are up 2.3%. Over last year, we're up a 174,000. Total collections year to date are $7,693,621,” finance staff said during the meeting.

The presentation noted the month of November was softer—partly attributed by staff to snow—and that the speaker would prefer to see a monthly gain closer to 3%.

Lodging tax showed a sharper decline: staff reported lodging tax receipts were down 15.2% year over year, a decrease of about $65,000, for a total of $364,000 year to date; November lodging receipts were down 32.6% month over month.

Why it matters: Sales tax is the city’s primary operating revenue source; changes in collections affect budget planning and service funding. The Council heard the figures as part of routine financial reporting and asked no follow‑up questions during the meeting.

Details and context: The finance presentation included a three‑year chart showing the current year’s trend line and noted the city was up every month except March. No changes to tax policy or budget allocations were proposed at the Jan. 16 meeting.

Council reaction: Council members did not request further action during the meeting; staff said they would continue to monitor receipts and report future trends to the Council.