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Parish finance staff reports stronger-than-expected sales tax collections; projects $4–5M over budget
Summary
Finance staff told the council that Sales Tax District 3 collections through April 2026 were a little over $7.5 million (up 8.2% year-over-year) and said the parish could end the year $4–$5 million above the $78 million budget if the trend continues.
Annie, a finance staff member, told the council that April 2026 sales tax collections for Sales Tax District 3 were "a little above $7,500,000" and up 8.2% from the same month last year. She said collections have trended up most of the year and that, if that trend continues, "we're looking to be about, anywhere from, 4,000,000 to $5,000,000 over the budget for this this year, which was $78,000,000."
Annie also reviewed other year-to-date budget measurements: the general fund was about 31% collected through May 31, occupational licenses had reached roughly 94% of budget, and several funds showed revenue and encumbrance rates consistent with being 41.67% through the fiscal year. The presentation noted that some larger receipts (for example, quarterly cable franchise fees and year-end taxes) will arrive later in the year, and staff said audited beginning balances will be used to amend FY2026 budgets once the audit is finalized.
Why it matters: Stronger sales tax receipts can widen discretionary capacity for capital projects or reserve building, but any adjustments will depend on the completed audit and council budget amendments expected in coming months. The finance presentation was the foundation for several budget amendments the council later referred to the full council for consideration.
