COMINGS: City sales tax revenue up in August
August was a good month in a couple of ways for the city of Yuma. Overall, sales tax revenue is up 11 percent for the month for an 8.3 percent improvement in collections for calendar year to date over the same period in 2011, reported Pat Wicks, finance director.
Also, construction sales taxes continued their surge with August showing a 120 percent increase over August 2011 and coming in at a 126 percent increase for the calendar year to date. A total of $343,685 was collected in sales tax revenue for construction activity in August.
To put that in perspective, Wicks said, the city's August 2006 tally (2006-07 was our highest-ever fiscal year) showed an August month of $325,941 and calendar year to date of $2,877,987 for construction.
Finally, August 2012 was a good month for retail, he said, with a 4.8 percent increase in sales tax revenue collected. It pushed the calendar-year-to-date increase to 2.4 percent, up from 2.2 percent year-to-date in July.
A total of $2.39 million in city sales tax revenue in all categories was collected in August.
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Spirit Halloween is now open and offering a selection of high-end Halloween costumes for all ages, accessories, decorations and party supplies for the holiday, announced Mark Ruiz, general manager.
The Halloween store (part of a national chain) is located in the Las Palmillas Shopping Center at 1130 S. Castle Dome Ave., previously occupied by Party City. The store will be open through Nov. 3. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It can be reached at 726-5245.
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Yuma Palace has submitted plans for sushi and drink bar alterations to the restaurant at 350 E. 32nd St., reported Alan Kircher, city of Yuma deputy building official.
That's the same address as Grand China Buffet, which has been closed for the summer. The phone number has been disconnected and that business no longer has a liquor license, according to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Controls
As for Yuma Palace, the Arizona Corporation Commission website lists Chuan Bao He of Yuma as the statutory agent and one of three members of Yuma Palace LLC, 350 E. 32nd St. The LLC was dated July 18, 2012. He couldn't be reached for comment by press time.
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In other city of building activity, Kircher reported:
• A building permit has been issued for a 2,824-square-foot addition and alterations to Arizona Game and Fish, Yuma headquarters.
• New plans have been submitted for tenant improvements for Yuma Pita Pit, which will be located in the same building as Chipotle on Pad 16 at Yuma Palms Regional Center.
• New plans also have been submitted for tenant improvements at National Bank, 16th Street and Arizona Avenue, for a dental office for Dr. Kempton.
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Seen around the area:
• Construction is well under way and the walls are going up for the new dealership for Yuma Honda at 1000 E. 32nd St. It is scheduled for completion in January, said Leo Pilkington of Pilkington Commercial, the general contractor.
• Even with the storm activity last week, crews have been busy on the site of the new Denny's restaurant under construction near the Fry's Grocery Store in the Foothills. The owner hopes to have it open for business in December.
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Sternco Engineers Inc. recently celebrated its 20th anniversary as a business in Yuma founded by owner and principal engineer John R. Sternitzke, PE, CXA. A poster boy for the “local boy comes home” story, he returned to Yuma to start his engineering firm after graduating from the University of Arizona.
Back in 1992 with one employee, one of Sternco's first jobs was the Colorado King paddlewheeler boat that is still in operation at Fisher's Landing. Fast forward to 2012 and the team of 13 employees is on job No. 2,975 and working on projects as detailed as the J-35 simulator at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and the freefall simulator at Yuma Proving Ground.
Over the years, Sternco has earned certification in indoor air quality, test and balance, plumbing and HVAC designs and as a qualified commissioning authority. Sternco also has received numerous advanced fire protection certificates and training from National Fire Protection Association.
Sternco is a longtime supporter of La Cosecha, an AWC scholarship program for students who experience severe disadvantages.
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Klickity Klick Boutique has opened at 105 E. 24th St. in a central location for one-stop shopping with Sprayed Rayz, Yuma County Choppers and Fair and Bare Salon in the same building.
The new boutique, owned by Melissa Quintero, offers a variety of chic and contemporary clothing in regular and plus sizes, and Texas blingy “cowgirl-style” accessories such as jewelry, purses, shoes, hats and belts.
The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. It can be reached at 581-4220
Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or call Joyce Lobeck at 539-6853.
