It appears cash registers in the Brookhavenarea have been a little busier lately. At least that’s theconclusion that can be drawn from the latest sales tax totals fromthe Mississippi Department of Revenue.

    September’s totals, which represent sales made in August, showedHomeseekers Paradise raking in more than $500,000 as its share ofsales tax collections for the month. That represented more than a$100,000 increase over the same period in 2010.

    The September total helped catapult Brookhaven’s fiscal year 2011collections ahead of its pace at the same point in 2010 and to thetop of the list of sales-tax-collecting municipalities in the area.Since July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year, Brookhaven hastaken in more than 6 percent more in sales tax than in 2010, whileseveral other area communities have seen their year-to-date totalsdecrease from 2010.

    While an undiscovered anomaly could be behind Brookhaven’s boostand it is still early in the fiscal year, the totals arenevertheless a reason to be optimistic about the future.

    Indeed, with the Christmas season just around the corner andbusinesses gearing up for holiday sales, an air of optimism seemsto be forming in the community. The excitement over Saturday’sChristmas Open House and window reveal event is evidence of thattrend.

    Let’s help the upswing linger and continue through the holidays andbeyond.