State tax revenues down in December
♦ Meanwhile, local sales tax numbers are up across the board.
Georgia tax collections declined by 5% last month, down $159.1 million from the $3.21 billion in taxes the state Department of Revenue brought in during December of 2022.
Individual income tax receipts were down 3.6%, driven largely by a 114% increase in tax refunds issued to Georgia taxpayers.
Net sales tax collections rose by 1.4% in December compared to the same month in 2022.
Corporate income taxes declined by 16.1% last month due to the combination of a 64.7% increase in refunds and a 19.3% decrease in payments.
For the first half of the current fiscal year, which ended Dec. 31, net tax collections were up 1.6%. However, that was mainly because the state resumed collecting sales taxes on gasoline and other motor fuels at the end of November, while the tax was suspended during December of 2022.
Aside from the changes brought about by resuming the collection of the motor fuels tax, revenues for the first six months of fiscal 2024 were down 2.5% from the first half of the previous fiscal year.
The negative numbers might be expected to give pause to legislative budget writers, who will begin reviewing Gov. Brian Kemp’s spending recommendations next week. However, the state has built up a whopping $16 billion budget surplus during the last three years that should make current revenue trends of less concern than they would be otherwise.
Kemp will release his budget proposals to the General Assembly later this week.
LOCAL NUMBERS
For December, Gordon County saw $1,346,380 in Special Local Option Sales Tax collections, up from $1,241.896 in November, and up even more over $1,185,812 in December 2022.
Inspired by a documentary about Basquiat, a unique Neoexpressionist artist who first achieved notoriety through his Manhattan graffiti, Ramsey began to paint.
His art is vibrant and colorful, utilizing dark linework to break up the bright background of each painting. For those looking to try out Ramsey’s style, the HAC is also offering several “do-ityourself” canvases for $10 or $15 each — blank canvases with only linework, waiting for color.
Ramsey will also be in town Saturday, Jan. 20 and Sunday,
Jan. 21 for two different events at the Harris Arts Center. First, a paint and sip class on Saturday at 4 p.m. — for $35 for nonmembers and $30 for members, guests get two glasses of wine and all the materials needed to paint their own work. Registration
is required.
He will also attend a reception for his artwork on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to give folks a chance to learn a bit about him and his artwork. Ramsey’s artwork will remain at the Harris Arts Center through Feb. 23.
Those looking to register for the paint and sip or get more information can call the Harris Arts Center at 706-629-2599. Visit the HAC and see Ramsey’s artwork at 212 S Wall Street, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.