Supporting local From the cover
Explained
October. Expected tenants include restaurants like Chipotle, Cava and Jersey Mike’s. “A lot of places don’t have the sales tax that Schertz does. This latest win was our rst major retail win in 20 years, but of course, before that, we had the center where Walmart is, we had the center where H-E-B is, and everything up on [I-35] is a tremendous contribution for sales tax,” Wayman said.
in Northeast San Antonio is Schertz, increasing by 106.82% from 2013 to 2024, according to comptroller data. Wayman said this growth will continue with the introduction of Schertz Station in the fall, which is approximately 257,000 square feet of retail and commercial space surrounding EVO Entertainment. Wayman said the rst tenants of Schertz Station are expected to have openings in September and
As the local economy in Northeast San Antonio has grown, so has sales tax revenue, according to Texas comptroller data, which shows a consistent increase for each of the ve major cities since 2013. Live Oak sales tax revenue has grown 98.06% from 2013 to 2024, while the rest of the cities have at least doubled, including a 495.54% increase in Cibolo. The city with the most sales tax revenue generated
Northeast San Antonio sales tax revenues
The five cities in the area have consistently grown in their sales tax revenue intake over the past several years.
2018 2019 2020
2021
2022
2023 2024
$25M
+59.10%
$20M
+51.20%
$15M
+61.84%
+51.01%
+145.95%
$10M
$5M
$0M
Schertz
Cibolo
Universal City
Live Oak
Selma
SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
A closer look
What they’re saying
Another city that relies heavily on sales tax revenues is Selma, with City Administrator Johnny Casias estimating that 60% of the city’s budget is attributable to sales taxes. “We’re in a unique position where we have a lot of sales tax that’s generated from our business,” Casias said. According to the city’s 2024-25 budget docu- ment, sales tax collections stalled in 2024 due to increased inflation and general concerns about the economy; however, growth was still seen in the retail sector at The Forum at Olympia Parkway. General fund revenues for Selma in FY 2024-25, including the $9.77 million from sales taxes, went toward new and existing employees. According to the city budget document, general fund expendi- tures for 2024-25 included a 4% salary adjustment for all city employees and a 5% increase to health insurance premium costs. Other projects aided by sales tax revenue were a fire station remodel and remodeling the evidence room in the Selma Police Department building.
“Supportin the services in the community … that oes back to
Selma general fund revenues Over half of the city’s general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 is from sales taxes, allocated to various city projects.
the tax base, which then supports our infrastructure.” MAGGIE TITTERINGTON, PRESIDENT CEO, THE CHAMBER
Fines/Forfeitures: $448,080 Permits: $562,500 Interest income: $800,000 Charges for services: $991,000 Franchise fees: $1,173,340
Ad valorem taxes: $1,750,233
Miscellaneous income: $2,020,485
“A strong sales tax base allows Live Oak to maintain and improve services without relying
heavily on raising property taxes.” DONNA LOWDER, LIVE OAK ECONOMIC
Sales tax revenues: $9,772,000
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
SOURCE: CITY OF SELMA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook