Lancaster Tax Collection Up 6% for 3rd Quarter

The city of Lancaster reported collecting $2.35 million in sales taxes in the third quarter of 1998, an increase of 6.5% from the same quarter last year.

General consumer goods accounted for 29% of the revenues, an increase of 4.1% from July to September 1998 over the same period in 1997. Auto sales and leases produced 12.6% more in taxes, and restaurants and hotels 3.9%. Hotel bed tax receipts increased 26% over third quarter 1997.

City officials attribute the rise in hotel and restaurant sales to increased tourism. “It’s apparent that the tournaments at the Big 8 Softball Complex and the Lancaster National Soccer Center really paid off in increased revenues,” said Mayor Frank C. Roberts.

Sales revenues are particularly important for the city, providing one third of Lancaster’s general fund. All but 6% of property taxes goes to the county of Los Angeles.

Lancaster has enjoyed steady growth since the early 1990s.

“We have had a lot of additional manufacturing” come into Lancaster, said director of finance Gary G. Hill. Two large manufacturers of recreational vehicles, Lance and Rexhall, have relocated to the area, providing hundreds of jobs. Companies including Deluxe Check, Michaels art supplies and Rite Aid, have operations there.

“We are optimistic” for continued growth, he said.