NATCHEZ — Sales tax collections in December and January were on the rise compared to last year.

Collections in December were $414,239, up 3.21 percent over last December’s collections.

Collections reported in January were $412,264, up 0.56 percent over last January’s collections.

Numbers reflect sales tax monies earned in October and November, respectively. Collections are reported two months after the fact.

Collections indicate the biggest jump in October, when Fall Pilgrimage and the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race took place.

“I’m glad to know (sales tax) was up that much,” GMRBR Executive Director Babs Price said.

Price said she was pleased to see the streets filled with people in October at the festival.

“That’s why we put on balloon race — to bring people to Natchez,” Price said.

She said the numbers show that the balloon race committee’s hard work paid off.

To date collections are up 0.9 percent over the previous fiscal year.

Since fiscal year 1994-1995, February sales tax reports have shown December as the most lucrative month for sales tax collections.

Christmas in Natchez directors reported a successful season, and said they hope December sales tax numbers will reflect that.