Mountain Home’s city sales tax collections dipped slightly in July, marking the first month-over-month decline of 2026. The city reported $625,373.45 in revenue for the month, down $2,626.27—or 0.42%—from the $627,999.72 collected in July 2025. The data was included in a monthly report from Director of Finance and Treasury Alma L. Clark.
The July figures reflect sales made in May, as there is typically a two-month lag between sales transactions and tax distributions to cities by the state. While the decrease represents a modest decline, it follows an unusually strong July last year.
Year-to-date, Mountain Home has collected $4,190,916.74 in city sales tax revenue, an increase of $109,495.08—or 2.68%—compared to the same seven months in 2025. This represents 59.9% of the city's $7 million budget for 2026 with 58.3% of the year elapsed.
Mountain Home’s portion of Baxter County’s sales tax moved in the opposite direction, rising slightly in July. The city received $299,262.13, an increase of $2,564.77—or 0.86%—from the $296,697.36 reported in July 2025. Year-to-date, county sales tax revenue allocated to Mountain Home is up $93,812.77, a 4.92% increase.
The city’s public safety sales tax, which helps fund the police and fire departments, declined by $984.86—or 0.42%—compared to last July, generating $234,515.04 for the month. However, year-to-date collections are $41,060.65 higher, reflecting a 2.68% increase.
Mountain Home also collects two sales taxes supporting the city’s parks. The park improvement sales tax brought in $312,686.73 for July, covering the $214,624.95 monthly bond payment for 2026 and leaving $98,061.78 in additional revenue for improvements. The park operations sales tax totaled $156,343.36 for the same period. Voters approved both taxes in 2021 to fund park system development and maintenance.
In 2025, the city set an all-time record for sales tax revenue, collecting $7,156,882.24. Despite achieving record revenues, growth slowed to less than 1%, marking the weakest rate in over a decade. However, collections this year have been outpacing 2025’s performance. If the current trend holds, Mountain Home could surpass its 2026 budget goals as well as the 2025 revenue record.
For additional information, the city’s finance department is located at 720 S. Hickory Street. The office of the treasurer can be reached at 870-232-5046.