2nd quarter sales continue positive trend in Hillsboro

By NEIL O. NELSON
Despite concerns nationwide of a downturn in the economy, North Dakota registered a 7.7 percent increase in taxable sales and purchases made during April, May and June 2007.
The state recorded an identical 7.7 percent increase in the first quarter of business this year.
Traill County and its two largest cities followed the statewide pattern.
Traill businesses reported a 9.41 percent increase in taxable sales ($8,877,871) and an 8.35 percent increase in taxable sales and purchases ($9,188,305).
Hillsboro, meanwhile, recorded more than $3.7 million in taxable sales in the second quarter, an impressive 21.73 percent increase over a year ago. Hillsboro businesses reported $3,871,790 in taxable sales and purchases, a 22.46 percent increase over 2006’s total of $3,161,645.
Mayville businesses recorded more than $3.3 million in sales, a 2.21 percent increase over last year’s $3,279,598 in the second quarter of 2006.
Taxable sales and purchases across the state were $2.555 billion, up more than $183 million over the second quarter of 2006.
“During the second quarter, nationwide consumer confidence was a little skittish amid rumors of rising inflation and mortgage concerns,” said state tax commissioner Cory Fong. “North Dakota’s growth was over two and one-half times the rate of inflation.”
Of the 50 largest cities, the biggest percentage increases in the second quarter of 2007 were in double digits with Tioga, up 69.8 percent; Lincoln, up 29.7 percent; Kenmare, up 27.2 percent; New Town, up 24.7 percent; and Williston, up 24.3 percent.
The biggest percentage decreases for the 50 largest cities were at Ashely, down 11 percent; Harvey, down 9.5 pecent; Crosby, down 8 percent, Lisbon, down 7.9 percent; and Stanely, down 5.1 percent.
Counties showing the highest percentage increases were McLean, Nelson, Grant, Oliver, and Logan. Counties with the biggest percentages decreases included Sheridan, Sioux, Sargent, Kidder and Cavalier.
In the first quarter of 2007, Hillsboro reported just over $2 million in sales, a 4.42 percent increase from the first quarter a year ago. Mayville recorded a slim 1.31 percent decrease, dropping from sales of $2,475,875 in the first quarter in 2006 to $2,433,723 in January, February and March of this year.
Traill County was on the plus side following the first quarter, also, marking a 2.08 percent increase in sales from the previous year.