An uptick in sales tax revenue spells good economic news, say local officials.

According to figures shared by Alton Starling, City Clerk for the City of Troy, sales tax for the final quarter of 2010 showed a growth of about 3.2 percent over the previous year.

“The only thing I can attribute the increases to is that people are probably more comfortable in their jobs and people are starting to spend more instead of choosing to save,” Starling said.

National economic forecasts are showing an increase in consumer confidence. And, reports on Friday indicated the national unemployment rate fell to 9 percent, the lowest rate since 2009.

Starling said rounded figures showed a positive year-over-year trend in the local sales tax as well:

• $457,000 in October 2009 to $468,000 in October 2010.

• $494,000 in November 2009 to $511,000 in November 2010.

• And $425,000 in December 2009 to $462,000 in December 2010.

In Brundidge, the same trend can be seen. The total sales revenue for the months of October through December 2009 was $104,691.65 and for those same months in 2010 , the total was $122,953.44, which is an increase of $18261.79, which Brundidge City officials attribute to shopping and other recreation activities.