Despite a down economy, the Crenshaw County sales tax base is holding steady, even seeing sparks of growth.

County sales tax figures for Oct. 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013 show that the county has collected $212,954 in one sales tax account and $266,651 in another. The numbers are up from the same period last year, when the accounts had $212,954 and $240,759, respectively.

County Administrator David Smyth said the down economy has had little change in the county’s annual numbers.

“The type taxes we’re collecting haven’t really been affected too much by recession and in fact, with gasoline going back up like it has, it generally solidifies our numbers and keeps them pretty constant as people quit traveling out of the county spending tax dollars.”

In the town of Brantley, if sales tax collections hold its current course, the town is on track to have its biggest year yet. Currently, the town has collected $104,149, compared to $97,382 for the same time period.

Town Administrator Phillip Moseley said the town collected $116,000 for the fiscal year 2007-2008; $125,000 in 2008-2009; $120K for the 2009-2010 fiscal year; $135,000 in 2010-2011, and $128,000 for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Moseley said Brantley securing a Dollar General has greatly added to the stability of the town’s sales tax revenue.

“We’ve seen an increase despite the economy,” he said. “That’s a big thanks to bringing in the Dollar General. We also hope to see added growth with Vinny’s and the curb market.”

Collections for Luverne and Dozier were not readily available when The Luverne Journal went to press.