For the first time since March, Jefferson City's general sales tax receipts have exceeded projections.
At the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Tuesday, 2nd Ward Councilman Shawn Schulte said July receipts for the 1 percent general sales tax came in $74,000 above the city's projection of $797,780.
For the past three months, the general sales tax receipts came in below projections, which were lowered to what were seen as more realistic numbers in March. Schulte said the July receipts, which are from sales made in May, have helped lower the total shortfall for the year to date from $95,000 to around $20,000.
"A bit of good news from the revenue side," Schulte said.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Bill Lockwood said the local parks sales tax is on track to meet budget projections for the year, even though the past few months had proved slightly worrisome. The parks sales tax fell short of projections in April and May receipts, but exceeded projections in June.
"I think we're going to be OK," Lockwood said.
In other business, Phil Stiles, recreation facilities and special services division director, said last month's Thursday Night Live events have grabbed the attention of those outside Mid-Missouri.
Stiles said someone tweeted a photo of the Madison Street "beach" at the June 27 event and now Thursday Night Live is being talked about as far away as Vancouver.
"This event has gotten some national and international attention," Stiles said.
The commission also installed a new president and vice president Tuesday. Denise Chapel, who was serving as vice president, was elected the new commission president and Marty Miller was elected vice president. Former President Gart Pollard will remain on the commission.