Low employment numbers and stable industry are keeping sales tax revenue totals on a steady climb, according to local officials.

“We are very fortunate in Pike County that we haven’t had the downswing that’s affected much of the nation,” said Pike County Administrator Harry Sanders.

The county’s fiscal year for sales tax runs from October 1 to September 30. For the year leading up to Sept. 30, 2010, sales tax revenue totaled $863,904. Last year’s numbers were even better with a 3.4 percent increase to $893,323.

“We had a pretty good December with Christmas this last year and we hope that will continue our building trend,” said Pike County Administrator Harry Sanders.

Sanders said that less than four percent may not seem like much of an increase, but, “It’s growth and growth is always positive.”

For the City of Troy, the numbers are also up.

“We had an increase in sales tax 11 out of 12 months last year compared to the previous year,” said Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford.

Combined revenue from October 2009 to Sept. 30, 2010 was $5,455,505. That total was up 2.44 percent last year to $5,588,686.

And it looks as if 2012 is off to a good start, as well.

January sales tax for 2011 was $763,000, but this year that number grew to $812,800.

“We’re substantially ahead of where we were in any previous year,” said City Clerk Alton Starling.

“It continues the trend of increasing,” Lunsford said. “That’s very good for us.”

Lunsford said he feels the success is a reflection of low unemployment numbers and the introduction of alternatives in the retail market.

“It’s a strong indicator of consumer confidence,” Lunsford said.

Sanders agreed and said he feels the economy, in general, is improving in Pike County.

“Our industry and our employment are stable,” Sanders said. “Compared to the national economy, we’re in better shape.”