There are positive signs Enid’s economy will survive

Opinion

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September 14, 2008

Anonymous The Enid News and Eagle Sun Sep 14, 2008, 10:17 PM CDT

Enid’s sales tax revenues have continually increased over the last several quarters is a positive sign the state of Oklahoma and Enid mostly have been insulated from poor economic factors plaguing other states.

For the past three years, Enid sales tax collection figures show only three months when there was no gain over the same month the previous year. Retail figures, which include sales tax collections on everything except fuel, automotive and wholesale, show Enid with a 6.5 percent average gain in the first quarter this year over the same quarter of 2007. In the second quarter, figures show a 9.8 percent increase over the previous year, according to Oklahoma Tax Commission.

It is true prices have gone up, and when prices go up, usually sales tax revenue goes up with it. However, the constant rise and high rate of the rise means consumers still are purchasing goods and services in Enid at increasing rates. Enid is the largest community in northwest Oklahoma and can be seen as a retail hub for nearby towns. Many of the products available in larger metro areas also are available in Enid, and usually the prices are competitive.

The figures, if they continue to hold as the summer numbers come in, would indicate Enid’s economy will continue to be strong throughout the rest of the year. It’s a positive indicator Enid can build on.

Enid has to continue to work on diversifying its business and industry base, and city and business leaders have to continue to look at ways to make Enid an attractive place to live and work. The community has lagged behind in salaries and professional opportunities, but we’re starting to see some progress in those areas. Housing that is affordable to middle-income families continues to be a concern in the real estate market; however, construction of new homes does continue. Sales of homes also continue to be on the rise.

Quality of life is key to attracting professional and upper-income jobs to the community. Several ideas are on the table to address those issues, including a trail system and the possibility of developing a lake. Infrastructure continues to be improved with the passage of a bridge bond issue and extension of a sales tax to build a new sewer plant.

Enid has a lot of good things going its way. It’s up to city, community and business leaders to help make sure our community is leveraged to build on those opportunities.

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There are positive signs Enid’s economy will survive

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