Taxable sales in Nevada up 7.6 percent in August

By Cy Ryan

Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 | 5:04 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Taxable sales in Nevada, one indicator of the strength of the economy, rose 7.6 percent in August compared to the same month a year ago, the 27th consecutive month of increased business in the state.

Strong sales of building materials and cars pushed Clark County sales up 8.1 percent compared to last August. It was the 16th straight month of taxable sales gains in Clark County.

The state Department of Taxation reported that nine of Nevada’s 17 counties recorded higher taxable sales. Statewide, they totaled $3.6 billion.

Sales of building materials in Clark County jumped 40.8 percent to $102 million. Car sales were up 22 percent to $292.1 million. It was the seventh straight month of double-digit increases in auto sales.

The bar and restaurant business, however, continued to grow at a slow pace. Taxable sales rose 2.2 percent after a decrease of 0.9 percent in July.

Clothing sales in Clark County posted a 10 percent gain, with children getting ready to return to school. General merchandise sales increased by 5.6 percent, and taxable sales of furniture was up 5.8 percent.

Sales in Washoe County increased by 10.5 percent but fell by 0.2 percent in Carson City. The biggest declines were in Lyon County at 77.5 percent and White Pine County at 40.1 percent.

The department said the biggest increases statewide were in motor vehicle sales, up 21.6 percent, and building materials, up 36.1 percent.

The agency said it collected $288.1 million in sales and use taxes. For the first two months of this fiscal year, collections are $6.5 million more than projected by the state Economic Forum.