Panola Partnership CEO Sonny Simmons
In last Friday’s edition of the Panolian, I could not help but notice the significant increase in the sales tax revenue for Batesville and Sardis. Batesville was up by 12% over this time last year and Sardis was up a very impressive 22% over last year as were most of our other communities within our county.

But the fact is, sales tax revenues have been on a steady increase in most of our municipalities for several years now and there is a distinct reason for this. We are very fortunate to have experienced the growth we have been a part of. There is more local money in circulation now than ever before and most of this is due to new jobs with new payrolls that have been created over the past few years.

Merit Health Group, that now very successfully operates our local hospital, has grown to over 400 employees, up from about 150 just a few years ago. GE Aviation has over 450 employees. Toyoda Gosei has continued to grow and expand as have 11 other of our existing industries. What this means to our local economy is a payroll that did not exist just a few years ago that now totals over $55 Million in new money. This is great for our local businesses and our government entities. This revenue allows our cities to invest in needed infrastructure and to make improvements that affects all of us and improves the quality of life we get to enjoy.

What is really going to be interesting is the economic impact the Polar Express Train is going to have on our local economy now thru December. By all indications, it should be tremendous.
This Holiday Season, let’s all be grateful for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us and not take those blessings for granted. We truly have so much to be thankful for.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Forever forward