October 2025 Sales Tax Revenue Report

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Sharla Beesley

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Jan 2, 2026, 10:05:28 AM (5 days ago) Jan 2

to Jason Damweber, Travis Machalek, Duane Hudson, Mike Zumbaugh, Daniel Webb, Trail Gazette Editor, Laura Garcia, Suzy Blackhurst, Bryce Rogers, Warren Jones, Sharla Beesley, Ben Archer-Clowes, Patti Brown, Marinda Baxter, Tammy Zimmerman, Trustees, Kate Miller, Reuben Bergsten, Finance Dept, Jackie Williamson, Marinda Baxter, David Greear

Attached you will find the October Sales Tax Revenue report for taxes collected in October 2025, remitted to the State in November 2025, and received by the Town on December 8, 2025.

Cash Collections:
Sales taxes collected for October 2025 were $2,197,716.90, which is an increase of 7.14% over taxes collected in October 2024, which totaled $2,051,185.35. The Town’s General Fund receives 80% of these amounts, or 4% of the 5% tax levied by the Town. The General Fund portion of the amounts received in 2025 and 2024, respectively, were $1,758,174 and $1,640,948. The remaining amounts are split between several purpose-restricted funds established in accordance with the terms of the additional 1% sales tax. The amounts used in the analysis below represent the General Fund portion of the sales tax. The following industry sectors had significant variances as summarized below.

So far to date in 2025, sales tax collections are 0.67% higher than what was budgeted. In the month of October, collections came in 4.99% higher than budget. Compared to the same time in 2024, year-to-date collections are up 4.31%, showing an increase from last year.

The Automotive industry sector collections increased 55.42%, or $8,937 in October 2025 over October 2024. Delinquent returns filed in 2025 were $4,059 higher than 2024. After backing out the delinquent returns, this industry still saw an increase of $4,878. Overall, the growth appears to be due to increased economic activity within the sector.

The Restaurant industry sector showed measurable growth in October 2025. Collections increased by 1.66%, or $7,240, compared to October 2024. Delinquent returns filed in 2025 were <$12,540> lower than those filed in 2024. After backing out delinquent returns, this industry recorded an increase of $19,780. Overall, these trends indicate continued growth that appears to be due to increased economic activity within the sector.

The Groceries industry sector saw a decrease of 1.98%, or <$3,997> in sales tax collections in October 2025 compared to October 2024. Delinquent returns filed in 2025 were $384 higher than the previous year. After adjusting for these delinquent filings, the sector experienced a decrease of <$4,381>. Overall, this industry experienced a decrease that appears to reflect a slowdown of economic activity.

The Lodging industry reported an increase of 25.43%, or $112,768 in sales tax collections in October 2025 over October 2024. Delinquent returns in October 2025 were $9,469 higher than those filed in the prior year. After adjusting for delinquent returns, the sector experienced an increase of $103,299, primarily reflecting increased economic activity within the industry. This growth includes several filers who submitted returns in 2025 but did not file in 2024.

The Construction industry reported a decrease of 12.04%, <$9,537> in sales tax collections in October 2025 from October 2024. Delinquent returns in October 2025 were $143 higher than in the prior year. After backing out delinquent returns, the sector experienced a decrease of <$9,680> and reflects some slowdown in economic activity within the industry.

Taxable Sales:

Taxable sales are recorded in the month the sales happen, even if the taxes are paid late. Because of this, late or delinquent filings can affect how monthly comparisons appear. Taxable sales reported for the month of October 2025 reflected no change, or 0% from the taxable sales reported for October 2024. Year-to-date taxable sales through October 2025 reflect an increase of 1% compared to year-to-date taxable sales in October 2024.

Inflation:
Changes in the CPI approximate the changes in the cost of goods sold. As a result, retailers may periodically adjust their sales prices to cover the increased costs, ultimately impacting the amount of sales tax revenue the Town receives. The latest information released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is for November 2025. Over the last 12 months, the CPI-U for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area advanced 2.2 percent. The index for all items less food and energy also increased 2.7 percent over the year. Food prices rose 1.7 percent, and energy prices fell over the same period.