Brookhaven’s sales tax revenues for November increased from this time last year more than Mississippi’s cities on average.

According to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, Brookhaven’s sales tax diversion for November was $460,416.38, the third lowest since January. The number is up 1.17 percent from $455,074.83 in November 2014. Since the November sales tax diversion represents October sales, this may represent the lull before the holiday season increase, which is typically reflected in sales tax from November (which the city won’t see until January).

Sales tax has a three-month cycle. Month one is when the tax is collected by the retailer, month two is when the tax is reported/paid to the DOR by the retailer and month three is when the sales tax diversion is paid by the DOR to cities. This means the number labeled November reflects the sales tax collected in October, which the city actually receives a check for in December.

In Brookhaven, sales tax diversions for November 2014 increased 3.41 percent from 440,049.77 in 2013.

On average, sales tax diversions for November in Mississippi increased 0.35 percent — putting Brookhaven slightly above the curve.

Sales tax revenue diversions vary month to month with different seasons and events. Brookhaven continues to bring in revenues higher than or roughly the same as most in the region and close to or more than cities twice its size.

Regionally, Natchez collected approximately $459,650.15 for November, down 9.59 percent from last year’s figure. McComb collected $456,726.25 for November, up 1.62 percent from last year, and Richland collected $453,393.39, down 6.24 percent from 2014.