LONG BEACH, MS (WLOX) -
2011 was a good year for Long Beach according to Mayor Billy Skellie. Although sales tax collections were down, the mayor is optimistic growth will put the city back on track.
"I'm not happy with sales tax, but it could be worse 'cause it is just a trend we are seeing all over," Skellie said Tuesday during his state of the city address.
Sales tax revenue in Long Beach was down two percent in 2011. It has been a steady slide, down 30 percent since the city's post Katrina high in 2007. Still Mayor Skellie is confident the city will turn around.
Skellie said, "We have somewhat held our own. We've increased, and we've improved with some new businesses."
New businesses along the revitalized Jeff Davis Avenue are helping, but their completion also means 2011 saw fewer permits issued for new structures.
Now the mayor says it is time to bring more business to town, he believes the city's post Katrina efforts will help.
Skellie said, "The comprehensive plan is complete, the streetscape, the town green, Main Street are all a bit of the combination and success package for growth, development and activity."
Skellie says this is already evident. Last year the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo was held in the city for the first time, and he hopes it will return. Skellie says last year's Kite Festival was the biggest yet and a new monthly event, Long Beach Live, has been a big hit.
"We are seeing our businesses busier in the evening. We are having more foot traffic, more activities downtown, and we are excited about that," Skellie said. "I see that we are still growing, and we are growing in the right way."
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