Sales tax collections, home sales point to economic rebound after Katrina

The Mississippi Press, 10/8/7

Sales tax numbers and home sales over the last two years suggests Jackson and George counties are rapidly rebounding from Hurricane Katrina.

“There are economic development numbers that suggest a miraculous recovery,” said George Freeland, executive director of the Jackson County Economic Development Agency. “There are numbers that indicate the county has made substantial rebuilding progress since Katrina.”

According to the Mississippi State Tax Commission Web site, Pascagoula, Moss Point, Gautier, Ocean Springs and Lucedale show significant sales tax increases since 2005. Sales taxes are collected by the state and then dispersed to the various cities in the state.