But not all expectations are positive. High gas prices could reduce the driving-tourist market during the summer, Eilbes said, and that would mean less sales tax revenue. Durango gas is 1.4 cents higher than the state average. This situation could ease as we approach June, and gasoline prices may stabilize. Gasoline retailers are playing a guessing game right now on summer gas prices, AAA said.
Gas prices do affect how many people come here.
Department stores represented 21 percent of the sales tax collected in March. Grocery and drug stores represented 16 percent and restaurants 14 percent. The Central Business District collected 41 percent of the sales taxes, and South Durango 36 percent. Contents copyright 2001, the Durango Herald. All rights reserved.