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ELKINS -- The city of Elkins has received more than $1.37 million from the new 1% sales tax since it went into effect last year, officials said.
City Treasurer Tracy Judy said five payments of the sales tax revenue have been received so far, totaling $1,371,380.72.
The total includes three payments from the last fiscal year, adding up to $748,565.25, and two payments so far this fiscal year, totaling $622,815.47.
When the city received the first sales tax revenue check from the state in October 2018, Judy explained the $184,833.12 accrued during the roughly two-month period since the July 1, 2018, implementation of the tax was a pleasant surprise.
She noted officials had only estimated in the city budget for $250,000 to be raised in the first full year.
City Council voted 7-3 to pass the new tax in December 2017, creating a 1% sales tax on businesses within the city limits, which became possible when the state approved the city's application to amend the original Home Rule plan for Elkins.
In order to implement the new sales tax, Elkins needed to give the state six months' lead time. The 1% sales tax went into effect July 1, 2018, with the advent of the new fiscal year.
City officials have said they will continue to put the sales tax revenue toward accomplishing the goals of the city's five-year plan.
Elkins City Council approved a five-year strategic plan for the city in September 2018. The plan offers a list of projects, action items and target dates for accomplishing goals by 2023.
Elkins City Council will meet tonight at 7 p.m. in City Hall.