Baxter County’s share of local sales tax collections reached $601,209.06 in September, marking a 5.2% increase—or $29,752.12—compared to the same month last year, according to Deputy Treasurer Misty Teague. The revenue, which reflects sales made in July, represents the county’s strongest monthly total to date this year, surpassing August’s $584,902.58.
The county’s quarter-cent jail tax also rose 5.2% in September, bringing in $263,903.84. This represents a $13,059.84 increase over September 2025 collections. For the year to date, Baxter County’s 1% sales tax has generated $4,887,181.69, up 5.0%—or $233,391.26—from the first nine months of 2025. Jail tax collections for the year now stand at $2,145,253.84, a 5.0% increase equating to $102,448.29.
Both revenue streams are outperforming budgeted expectations. Teague reported that the county’s 1% sales tax stands 5.1%, or $237,181.66, above its projected revenue through September. The jail tax collections are 5.5%, or $112,753.87, ahead of projections. “We are very grateful,” Teague stated in her email detailing the figures.
Combined sales tax collections for the county and its cities totaled $1,055,615.38 for September, a 5.2% increase—or $52,239.39—over last year. Total collections for the first nine months of the year reached $8,581,015.36, reflecting a 5.0% increase, or $409,793.22, from the same period in 2025.
Within those totals, the City of Mountain Home accounted for $325,228.03 in September, making up about 31% of the overall revenue. Other September collections include $55,054.20 for Gassville, $22,467.99 for Cotter, $19,653.16 for Lakeview, $11,994.77 for Salesville, $11,791.89 for Norfork, $5,984.70 for Briarcliff, and $2,231.58 for Big Flat. Additionally, the airport fuel sales tax yielded $137.14 for the month.
More detailed sales tax reports are available on the county’s website at baxtercountyar.gov, under the Transparency section in Treasurer’s Reports.