Trion Library Receives ALA Grant

The Trion Public Library has been selected as one of 310 libraries to participate in round two of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library increase accessibility to the building for individuals with mobility disabilities.

“We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Delana Sissel. “This grant will allow our library to get to know our residents with disabilities better. It will help us improve our services so all members of our community feel welcome and comfortable in our space.”

As part of the grant, Trion Public Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with residents about building accessibility and use the grant funds to meet accessibility needs.

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Sarah Colombo by calling (706) 236-4600 ext 4620, or emailing scolombo@shrls.org for more information.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”

The Trion Public Library is a branch of the Sara Hightower Regional Library System which serves Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk counties with six public libraries located in Summerville, Trion, Rome, Cave Spring, Rockmart, and Cedartown.

Georgia DNR Encourages Cleaning Bird Feeders

Sick birds are occasionally reported in backyards across Georgia. A common denominator in these incidents is feeders and feeding areas that are not cleaned regularly.

Birds are at risk from a variety of diseases that can flourish when birds flock to neglected feeders.

Wildlife biologist Todd Schneider of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said the public can help by cleaning their feeders regularly. “A hygienic bird feeder can reduce the risk tremendously.”

Conditions in and around feeders help spur sicknesses ranging from conjunctivitis to avian pox.

Bacterial diseases are transmitted orally and through the accumulation of fecal matter beneath feeders. Birds infected with salmonellosis, the disease caused by the bacteria salmonella, often act lethargic and are easily approached, although other infected birds may show no symptoms.

Birds with conjunctivitis have crusty-looking eyes, may lose their sight and often remain perched on feeders even when approached.

Fungal issues such as aspergillosis, which can cause respiratory distress in birds, are often the result of a buildup of wet and moldy seed hulls beneath feeders.

Avian pox causes wart-like lesions on a bird’s face, legs or feet. More severe cases can cause lesions in their throat, compromising their ability to breathe and eat and sometimes leading to secondary infections. Avian pox can be transmitted from bird to bird by mosquitos, as well as between sick and healthy birds at feeders.

“We see a lot of issues involving salmonella,” said Schneider, an ornithologist with DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section. “Salmonellosis and aspergillosis are not unusual among feeder birds.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Where bird feeders, feedings areas and even birdbaths are concerned, these and other debilitating illnesses can often be prevented with proper, routine hygiene. Schneider recommends the following:

• Clean feeders weekly using a 10-percent bleach solution – one part bleach to nine parts water – and rinse them thoroughly. After washing, let the feeders dry completely. (Always wear protective gloves while cleaning feeders, feeding areas and bird baths, and wash carefully afterward.)
• Rake up bird seed, hulls and fecal matter beneath feeders two or more times a week. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling fungal spores stirred up by raking.
• If you have multiple feeders, space them out to help limit gatherings of birds.
• Move feeders regularly. A move even 20 feet away lowers the risk of disease transmission.
• Empty and clean bird baths every two days when bird visitation is heavy. (This also discourages breeding mosquitos from using the bath water!)

What to do if you or neighbors see sick birds at your feeders? Schneider said you can help prevent the spread of disease by taking down the feeders for a week, which will encourage birds to disperse.

Noting that “not all bird feeders are equal,” he also offered a few suggestions about feeder designs. “Plastic and glass feeders are significantly more sanitary and easier to clean than wood feeders, which can absorb moisture,” he said.

Schneider stressed the importance, too, of reporting widespread disease to DNR. “A single dead bird isn’t a cause for alarm, but four or more dead birds in a short amount of time could signal a problem and should be reported to DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section.”

Report incidents to Todd Schneider at todd.schneider@dnr.ga.gov. Do not handle dead birds with bare hands. For more on bird diseases, visit https://feederwatch.org/learn/sick-birds-and-bird-diseases.

ABOUT BIRD FLU

Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry and other domestic birds as well as in some wild birds throughout the U.S. and Canada have raised concern about possible impacts on songbirds.
However, research suggests that avian flu is unlikely to become widespread in songbirds except for scavenging species such as crows and possibly in areas where the risk of transmission is higher, such as near infected poultry facilities or gatherings of infected waterfowl.

HELP CONSERVE WILDLIFE

DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section works to conserve songbirds and other wildlife not legally fished for or hunted, as well as rare plants and natural habitats. The agency does this largely through public support from fundraisers, grants and contributions.

Key fundraisers include sales of the eagle and monarch butterfly license plates, as well as annual renewals of these and the ruby-throated hummingbird tags. These plates cost only $25 more than a standard plate to buy or renew. Up to $20 of that fee goes to help wildlife.

Supporters also can donate online at https://www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com. Click “Licenses and Permits” and log in. (New customers will need to create an account.) Learn more at https://georgiawildlife.com/donations. Visit https://georgiawildlife.com/conservation/annualreport to see how your support is put to work.

Salvation Army Seeks Donors

Philanthropic individuals are sought by The Salvation Army of Rome, Georgia to donate monetary contributions towards its mission to provide hunger relief, shelter, and more for those in need around the area.  The Salvation Army of Rome serves residents of Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County.

Major Hank Harwell, the local corps officer, attests that most people think of donating to the organization during the holidays via the Red Kettle campaign. However, he says, donations are needed year round to support operations and better serve the community.

Concerned citizens may contribute in person at the Salvation Army of Rome’s office at 317 East First Avenue in Rome. Donations may also be made online at Rome Corps (salvationarmy.org).

Woman Accused Of Trying To Sneak Contraband Into Prison

A Forsyth County woman is accused of conspiring via text messages and phone calls with another person to acquire and deliver drugs and tobacco to the Floyd County Prison in January of this year.

According to the arrest warrant for thirty-five-year-old Janae Nicole Collier of Cumming:

20 oxycodone pills, 58 grams of marijuana, more than 49 grams of methamphetamine, 170 grams of smoking tobacco, and two packs of cigarettes were intercepted by prison investigators at the site of a work detail at the Floyd County Industrial Park.

Collier is charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act, possession of items prohibited for inmates, and use of a communications facility to commit a crime involving drugs.

WRGA

Child Abuser Found Guilty

The Lookout Mountain District Attorney released a statement on Friday about the conviction of a Ringgold man who was found guilty of abusing his two-year-old son and three-year-old daughter by beating them repeatedly.

The abuse happened in Catoosa County in 2023 when twenty-four-year-old Dillan Michael Tennant became enraged because the two children made a mess in their room.  Tennant is accused of beating the two children with a board over the course of two days.

Family members reported the abuse which resulted in Tennant’s arrest.

A Catoosa County jury returned a guilty verdict on two counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree.

District Attorney Clay Fuller said, “This child abuser will have plenty of time to clean his room in the Department of Corrections” .

Georgia Unemployment Rate Remains Unchanged

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced Thursday that Georgia’s March unemployment rate was 3.1, unchanged from a revised 3.1 percent in February. The unemployment rate was seven-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.

“When it comes to building a strong economy, Georgia means business,” said Commissioner Thompson. “Being recognized as an economic powerhouse always starts with consistency, the ability to adapt, and strong local investments. Georgia excels at all three, proving once again that when it comes to driving economic prosperity and opportunity for all, we’re on the winning side of history.”
Jobs were up by 16,200 (0.3%) over the month and up by 55,400 (1.1%) over the year to 4,949,500, an all-time high.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Administrative and Support Services, 6,700; Health Care and Social Assistance, 5,000; Accommodation and Food Services, 3,900; Local Government, 2,100; and Specialty Trade Contractors, 1,300.

Jobs were down in Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -2,300; Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, -1,600; and Wholesale Trade, -700.

Jobs were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 674,900; Leisure and Hospitality, 527,000; Financial Activities, 283,600; and Construction, 225,200. Notably, Construction experienced its highest employment peak in 17 years, when there were 224,400 jobs in March 2007.

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 24,100; Local Government, 14,200; Accommodation and Food Services, 13,600; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 8,400; and Durable Goods Manufacturing, 5,900.

Jobs were down in Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -16,800; Administrative and Support Services, -12,100; and Transportation and Warehousing, -8,700.

The labor force was up by 8,366 to 5,343,463, an all-time high, and was up by 63,465 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate held at 61.4 percent.

The number of employed was up by 8,423 to 5,179,980, an all-time high, and was up by 68,264 over the past 12 months. The employment-to-population ratio held at 59.5 percent.

The number of unemployed was down by 57 to 163,483, the lowest figure since July 2022 (162,614), and was down by 4,799 over the past 12 months.

Initial claims were down by 5,041 (-22%) over the month to 17,847 in March.  Initial claims were down by 4,259 (-19%) over the year.

For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail. For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL’s Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.

Governor Kemp Signs Tax Cut Bills On Thursday

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a package of tax cut bills yesterday.  You can read a press release from the Governor’s office below about the bills that Kemp signed into law:

Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, Members of the General Assembly, and local and state leaders, signed HB 1015 into law today at a ceremony in Augusta – accelerating the largest state income tax cut in Georgia history.

Sponsored by Representative Lauren McDonald and co-sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones, Chairman Shaw Blackmon, Representatives Soo Hong, Will Wade and Matthew Gambill and carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett, builds upon HB 1437, which provided for a step down of 10 basis points in the income tax rate, starting in 2025.

By accelerating the reduction, the rate for Tax Year 2024 will be 5.39 percent, rather than the 5.49 percent set by HB 1437. This will mark a cut of 36 basis points from the Tax Year 2023 rate of 5.75 percent.

The Office of Planning and Budget estimates savings for Georgia taxpayers of approximately $1.1 billion in calendar year 2024 as a result of the tax cut acceleration and the 26 basis-points reduction provided in HB 1437, and approximately $3 billion over the next 10 years.

“Washington D.C. politicians are currently working to raise taxes on hardworking Americans, but here in Georgia we are keeping to our commitment to grow our economy and opportunity for the people of our state, not government,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As a result of conservative budgeting and our pro-growth, business friendly environment, billions of more dollars will now be kept in the pockets of hardworking Georgians rather than being devoted to creating more government bureaucracy and red tape.”

In addition to HB 1015, Governor Kemp also signed HB 581, HB 1021, HB 1023, and SB 496.

HB 1023, sponsored by Chairman Bruce Williamson, signed by Chairman Shaw Blackmon, Rep. Clint Crowe, Chairwoman Deborah Silcox, Rep. Scott Hilton, Rep. David Wilkerson, and carried in the Senate by Chairman Chuck Hufstetler, lowers the corporate income tax rate from 5.75 percent for Tax Year 2024 to 5.39 percent by matching the corporate income tax rate to the individual income tax rate for the corresponding year – furthering our state’s commitment to maintaining a business friendly environment that creates good paying jobs throughout the state for hardworking Georgians.

HB 581, sponsored by Chairman Shaw Blackmon, Chairman Noel Williams, Chairwoman Beth Camp, signed by Rep. Clint Crowe and carried in the Senate by Chairman Chuck Hufstetler, enables a constitutional amendment (HR 1022) to be decided to allow counties to provide a statewide homestead valuation freeze, which limits the appreciation of property values to the inflation rate. HB 581 also provides for a special local option sales tax for counties and municipalities to provide for property tax relief.

HB 1021, sponsored by Rep. Lauren Daniel, signed by Speaker Jon Burns, Chairman Shaw Blackmon, Chairman Bruce Williamson, Chairwoman Deborah Silcox, Rep. Scott Hilton and carried in the Senate by Chairman Russ Goodman, increases the state’s income tax dependent exemption by 33%, so that each taxpayer would be allowed to deduct $4,000 per dependent rather than the current $3,000 per dependent.

SB 496, sponsored by Chairman Max Burns, signed by Chairman Chuck Hufstetler, Chairman Frank Ginn, Chairman Chuck Payne, Chairman Rick Williams, Sen. Harold Jones II, and carried in the House by Rep. Debbie Buckner, expands the criteria for a home to be certified as historic and extends the sunsets for the tax credits for rehabilitation of historic homes and structures to December 31, 2029, and for the tax credits for rural zone revitalization to December 31, 2032. Both Rep. Ron Stephens and Rep. Penny Houston were also instrumental in SB 496.

Governor Kemp extends his appreciation to all of those whose diligent work and efforts led to him being able to sign these bills today.

Arrest Report - Friday - April 19, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, April 19, 2024:

Trion Issues "Sportsmanship Statement"

On Wednesday of this week, the Trion Recreation Department released a statement from Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas regarding sportsmanship at the recreation departments sporting events.  According to the statement, those who violate the sportsmanship rules of the Trion Recreation Department will be removed from the event site and could face suspension from future events.  Trion Rec officials say that the policy will be implemented immediately.  You can see the statement below:

Friday Night Live Tonight At Open-Air Pavilion In Summerville

North Georgia Murder Suspect Captured

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office reported that 44-year-old Jonathan Bates of Dallas, Georgia, was arrested Tuesday in Dawson County by a multi-agency task force serving a bench warrant.

Bates had been at large since 2022 after missing a court appearance for which he was indicted on murder charges.

On May 5, 2017, Bates allegedly pushed his wife, Cynthia, down the stairs during a dispute at their home in Paulding. Cynthia Bates later died at the hospital from injuries sustained in the fall. Jail reports indicated that the incident was witnessed by their two children.

Bates has been scheduled for trial on charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery-family violence, cruelty to children in the first degree, cruelty to children in the third degree, and battery-family violence.

As of Thursday, Bates is being held without bond at the Paulding County Detention Center.

Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge publically thanked the task force comprised of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office and the US Marshal Service for locating and apprehending Bates.

WRGA

Chickamauga Man Identified In Gore Area Motel Death

A Chickamauga man has been identified by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department as the person who was found dead at the Summerville Motel in the Gore Community last Saturday evening.  The investigation into the man’s death is ongoing according to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader.  Sheriff Schrader told WZQZ News on Thursday evening that the man was identified as thirty-five-year-old David Matthew Fairchild of Chickamauga. Sheriff Schrader said that Fairchild’s body was sent to the GBI crime lab for evaluation.  An obituary posted for Fairchild on Thursday stated that he was the father of five children and worked as a mechanic.  Sheriff Schrader said that investigators with his office returned to the motel yesterday to follow up on several items pertaining to the investigation.  The cause of death still has not been released.

Sand Mountain Amphitheater Releases Stacked 2024 Concert Season Schedule

Sand Mountain Amphitheater, managed by Sports Facilities Companies, is gearing up to make a special mark once again on the North Alabama music scene. With a focus on delivering exceptional customer experience and offering a genre for everyone, SMPA promises an unforgettable 2024 concert season. This year’s Super Bowl half-time show performer Ludacris, AMC Award winner Cole Swindell, Grammy Award winners Old Crow Medicine Show, and rock legend Scott Stapp of CREED are just a few of the names that will take the stage this year at Northern Alabama’s latest destination for top-tier performances:

• April 26 – Old Crow Medicine Show
• May 3 – George Thorogood & The Destroyers and 38 Special
• May 26 – Cole Swindell and Dylan Scott
• June 8 – Tacos & Tequila Music Festival:  Ludacris, Sean Kingston, and Twista
• June 28 – Higher Power Tour:  Scott Stapp and Hinder
• July 20 – Make More Memories
• Music Fest:  Boys Like Girls, 3OH!3, Anberlin, and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
• August 15 – The Unity Tour:  311 with AWOLNATION and Neon Trees
• August 31 – What A View Tour:  Jamey Johnson with Whitney Morgan and The 78’s

Just a few years since opening, Sand Mountain Amphitheater has quickly built a reputation as a must-visit hotspot for music enthusiasts. Boasting world-class amenities, the Amphitheater’s design caters to thousands of spectators with inclusive seating options and LED video walls adorning its spectacular stage. Top-tier performances featuring names such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Nelly, Gabriel Iglesias, Casting Crowns, 3 Doors Down, and more have filled the venue with energy and excitement in past seasons.

The Amphitheater is more than just a venue for concerts– It honors Albertville’s deep musical roots, celebrating local talent and the city’s rich musical heritage. It also serves as a key driver of economic activity, drawing visitors who eat, shop, and stay within the region, creating a vibrant local economy in the process.

“Beyond delivering a top-notch concert experience, we are committed to positively impacting the Sand Mountain region through first-class concerts and events,” says Patrick O’Brien, Vice President of the Sports Facilities Companies. “We’re investing in improvements and continually innovating for our guests, and we’re thrilled to see this reflected in growing ticket sales and a thriving local economy.”

Competition from larger cities like Huntsville and Birmingham venues, as well as the Albertville market being within easy reach of Chattanooga, Tuscaloosa, Nashville, and Atlanta, caused concerns about building a facility of this caliber in a smaller market, but Mayor Tracy Honea says the city leaders remained steadfast in their vision.

“We were determined to carve out our niche in the industry by offering a distinctive and community-oriented experience that, we hope, sets us apart,” said Honea. “While the journey has been challenging and there is still work to be done in terms of raising awareness, the rewards thus far have made every effort worthwhile. Heading into season four, I’m as encouraged and excited for what’s ahead as I’ve been since day one.”

Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, managed by Sports Facilities Companies, includes 14 outdoor turf fields for baseball, softball, soccer, football, lacrosse, and a miracle baseball field. Also outdoors includes 16 tennis courts, an outdoor water park with a splash pad and lazy river, an RV park, two dog parks, an 18-hole disc golf course, two outdoor basketball courts, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, numerous concessions areas, and multiple playgrounds. Its 100,000-square-foot indoor facility has the capacity to host multi-court sports tournaments, trade shows, banquets, and community events. The complex houses a fitness center, group exercise studios, a walking and running track, racquetball courts, locker rooms, a competition-style pool, private meeting and party rooms, and a concessions area.

For more information or to buy tickets, please visit Sand Mountain Amphitheater’s website.

Prowler Seen Crawling On Porch

Shortly after midnight on Thursday a resident of Summerville who lives on East Washington Street came to the Summerville Police Department to report a prowler.  The complainant said that he observed a “tall skinny man” crawling on the back porch of his residence.  The complainant said that it has happened before and sometimes the skinny man beats on the walls of the house with his fists.  The incidents have been going on for several months, according to the complainant.  He said that he believed that the prowler may be someone who lives nearby, but was unable to give any names to police.  Police promised extra patrols in the area and that a copy of the incident report would be turned over to an investigator.

Chattooga Library Reception Today

Summerville Man Accused Of Attacking Woman Over Cell Phone

A sixty-seven-year-old Summerville man was arrested after he was accused of attacking a fifty-two-year-old woman over a cell phone.  According to Summerville Police, officers responded to a domestic call on Highway 48 on Sunday.  When officers arrived on the scene, they spoke with the victim who told officers that Lewis Smith had attacked her after she picked up his cell phone.  Officers found Smith inside the residence and he admitted that he had “laid hands” on the victim after he caught her looking at his cell phone.  Lewis was arrested and booked into the Chattooga County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct.

Arrest Report - Thursday - April 18, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 18, 2024:

Woman Arrested While Visiting Son At Prison

A woman was arrested while visiting her son at Hays State Prison this past Saturday.  According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted by prison staff that a woman with an outstanding warrant was at the prison.  Deputies arrived and confirmed the warrant and found that her license was suspended.  The woman, who was driving a UHAUL rental, also admitted to having marijuana inside the vehicle.  After a field sobriety test, Morrisa Coranda Jones was arrested and taken to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of driving on suspended or revoked license and DUI for drugs.

Foreign Investors Must Report U.S. Agricultural Land Holdings

The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires foreign investors who buy, sell or hold an interest in U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings and transactions to the USDA. Foreign investors must file AFIDA Report Form FSA-153 with the FSA county office in county where the land is located.

According to the CFR Title 7 Part 781, any foreign person who holds an interest in U.S. agricultural land is required to report their holdings no later than 90 days after the date of the transaction.

“Failure to file a report or filing a late or inaccurate report can result in a penalty with fines up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land,” said Tripp.

Foreign investors should report holdings of agricultural land totaling 10 acres or more used for farming, ranching or timber production, including leaseholds of 10 years. AFIDA reports are also required when there are changes in land use, such us agricultural to nonagricultural use. Foreign investors must also file a report when there is a change in the status of ownership.

The information from the AFIDA reports is used to prepare an annual report to the President and Congress on the effect of foreign land holdings on family farms and rural communities in the United States.

Assistance in completing the FSA-153 report may be obtained from the local county FSA office. For more information regarding AFIDA or FSA programs, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov.

Georgia Tax Revenues Down

The State of Georgia’s net tax collections in March totaled $2.34 billion, for a decrease of $338.7 million or 12.6 percent compared to FY 2023, when net tax collections approached a total of $2.68 billion for the month.

Year-to-date, net tax revenue totaled $23.49 billion, for a decrease of $115.6 million or 0.5 percent from the same nine-month period in FY 2023, a period during which the state’s motor fuel excise tax was suspended. Net of motor fuel tax changes, revenues for the nine months ended March 31 were down 4.3 percent from this time a year ago.

The changes within the following tax categories help to further explain March’s overall net tax revenue decrease:

Individual Income Tax: Individual Income Tax collections totaled $998.3 million, for a decrease of $191.2 million or 16.1 percent compared to last year, when Individual Tax collections totaled nearly $1.19 billion. This is in part attributable to the planned reduction in income tax rates effective January 1, 2024.

The following notable components within Individual Income Tax combine for the net decrease:

• Individual Income Tax refunds issued (net of voided checks) were down $79.3 million or 11.1 percent
• Individual Withholding payments were down by $228.2 million or 13.7 percent from the previous year
• Individual Income Tax Return payments declined by $28.4 million or 23 percent from March 2023
• All other Individual Tax categories, including Estimated payments, were down a combined $13.9 million

Sales and Use Tax: Gross Sales and Use Tax collections totaled $1.42 billion for the month, which was an increase of $77.5 million or 5.8 percent compared to March 2023. Net Sales and Use Tax decreased by $29.7 million or 4.5 percent compared to last year, when net sales tax totaled $660.4 million. The adjusted Sales Tax distribution to local governments totaled $730.8 million, for an increase of $62.3 million or 9.3 percent, while Sales Tax refunds increased by $44.9 million or 284.7 percent compared to FY 2023.

Corporate Income Tax: Corporate Income Tax collections for March totaled $356.7 million, for a decrease of roughly $141 million or 28.3 percent compared to FY 2023.

The following notable components within Corporate Income Tax make up the net decrease:

• Corporate Income Tax refunds issued (net of voided checks) were up $41.6 million or 88 percent over FY 2023
• Corporate Income Tax Estimated payments decreased by $62.9 million or 91.8 percent from the previous year
• All other Corporate Tax types, including Corporate Return payments, were down a combined $36.5 million

Motor Fuel Taxes: Motor Fuel Tax collections increased by $21.2 million or 13.5 percent over last year.

Motor Vehicle – Tag & Title Fees: Motor Vehicle Tag & Title Fees decreased by $4.8 million or 13.5 percent for the month, while Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) collections increased by $5.3 million or 8.3 percent over last year.