Natchez — Sales tax collections for October were up approximately 6 percent from last year.

The city collected approximately $419,000 in October this year, up $26,000 from the approximately $393,000 the city collected during October 2010.

Sales tax numbers are reported two months after the fact. The October revenue reflects sales tax collected in August.

Natchez City Clerk Donnie Holloway said the local economy appears to be picking up, and more people around town are spending more than they were last year.

Holloway said there were also conventions and other events in August that helped increase sales tax collections.

Holloway said the outlook for November and December sales looks promising. He said construction of the Roth Hill casino has brought contractors and workers into town who are spending money.

Holloway also said he thinks if people shop local for the holidays, December collections could be more than last year.

“Hopefully, people will be shopping local and keeping their money here,” he said. “It helps the economy in the city and helps the businesses in the city.”