Sales taxes collected in South Lake Tahoe in Q3 up 29 percent as summer business improves

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a rough couple of years with the pandemic, the third quarter of 2022 was a bright spot for South Lake Tahoe. Receipts from July through September were 29.1 percent above the third sales period in 2021. Excluding reporting aberrations, actual sales were up 27.3 percent. Aberrations are from delayed payments, audits of receipts, and other reporting modifications.

In-person experiences last summer were sought out by visitors, resulting in boosted results for many industry groups, led by the restaurant-hotel sector, casual eateries saw stellar gains with customers eager to dine in despite rising menu prices.

According to the quarterly report compiled by the City of South Lake Tahoe's finance department, quick-service restaurants also benefitted from increased foot traffic.

Prices at the pump shot up in record fashion bolstering fuel-service station tax revenue. The average price per gallon has declined and demand is expected to decrease in 2023. Visitor spending and improved foot traffic at sporting goods and family apparel retailers helped propel general consumer sales. Food/drug receipts gained with the addition of a new outlet.

The building-construction sector also contributed with contractors booked
for improvement projects and increased building material sales.

City and County pools from online sales were also up.

Voter-approved Measures Q & S posted strong results from patrons enjoying
dining at local eateries, service station receipts, and building-related activities.

South Lake Tahoe collected $2,272,625 in sales taxes, Measure Q earned $1,160,281, and Measure S funds were $2,336,671. Measure S is a general sales tax measure approved by the South Lake Tahoe voters that took effect on April 1, 2021, increasing South Lake Tahoe's sales tax rate from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent. Measure Q was a half-percent sales tax increase in 2004. They are tracked separately.

Net of aberrations, taxable sales for all of El Dorado County grew 13.6 percent over the comparable time period; the Sacramento region was up 6.8 percent.

The Top 25 sales tax producers (in alphabetical order):

Aisle 1, Azul Latin Kitchen, Base Camp Pizza Co, California Burger, Cannablue, CVS Pharmacy, DIY Home Center, Heavenly Sports, Jim Bagan Toyota,
KB Chevron, Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa, Marcus Ashley Gallery, McDonald's,
McP’s Pub Tahoe, Meeks Building Center, Raley’s, Riva Grill on the Lake, Ross, Safeway, Safeway Fuel, Sports Ltd, Tahoe Asphalt, TJ Maxx, Up Shirt Creek, Western Nevada Supply