Since July 1, sales tax revenue has been up each month when compared to the same time periods a year ago, according to Oklahoma Tax Commission figures.

“So far, it’s been the construction side that has provided most of that increase,” Floyd said. “We haven’t reached the plateau of where we were two years ago, but it’s still steady.”

City officials and developers have worked together to ensure the city is credited with sales tax on building materials delivered to Choctaw. Since July 1, the city has issued 22 residential building permits.

Three new restaurants, Queso’s Mexican, Boom-a-rang Diner and Charlie’s Sports Bar and Grill, have located in Choctaw during the last year, providing extra tax revenue.

NOT SURPRISED

Floyd said he’s not surprised by the 8 percent increase in sales tax figures.

“Last year was the worst of the worst. We’re seeing numbers here that are getting better and better, both nationally and locally,” he said. “I really expected us to do better.”

Meanwhile, Midwest City has experienced a 6-percent increase in sales tax the past eight months.

“While most cities had a 10 to 15 percent drop in 2009, ours was a marginal 2 to 3 percent decrease,” City Manager Guy Henson said. “Obviously, the economy is stronger than a year ago. I think it’s just a change in people’s attitudes toward the economy and they feel more comfortable spending money.”

Nicoma Park is up 3 percent in revenue for the same time period. Del City’s collections have been static with less than a 1 percent hike.