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County sees early softening in sales tax and REET collections for 2026
Summary
Early 2026 collections show mixed trends: local retail sales tax down about 6.2% year-over-year and REET down about 9.6%, while some distributed categories show modest growth; staff cautioned reporting lags and preliminary projections that year-end revenue may trail the 2026 budget and prior-year actuals.
Finance staff reviewed year-to-date sales tax and REET revenue trends and told commissioners that early 2026 collections are weaker compared with 2025.
Zack DeHaven said local retail sales tax is down approximately 6.2% and REET down about 9.6% year-over-year, while some distributed sales tax categories show modest growth of about 1.9%–2.9%. He emphasized that collections are early in the fiscal year and reporting lags can delay full picture; preliminary projections suggest year-end sales tax revenue may fall below the 2026 budget and prior-year actuals, increasing budgetary pressure.
Staff flagged that unincorporated sales tax weakness may be related to reduced construction and permit activity and noted the County should monitor trends as the year progresses.
