Revenue collections are ahead of schedule, a positive note as city administrators continue to work on the upcoming fiscal year budget.

In a press release issued today, the city announced that general fund operating revenues through the end of March show total receipts of $12,399,404.18.

The percentage of actual money collected as projected in the current budget stands at 85.2 percent, which is an 11.5 percent increase compared to this time last year, according to the press release.

The city’s top revenue source is the ad valorem tax of which 97.4 percent has been collected.

City Finance Director MeLinda Hite said only 73 percent of revenues were collected this time last year. “We’re pleased. The main point behind it is we’re using every available resource to collect what is due the city. We’re taking a hard road to collect.”

That revenues are ahead of schedule could be a good sign for the budget, as right now no deficit is projected, Hite said.

The following revenues, including projections, still to be received are as follows:

Five months of sales tax distributions (February – June $1.1 million)

Fourth quarter utility franchise tax ($299,000)

Solid waste tax ($2,700)

Beer & Wine Tax ($72,000)

Four months Ad Valorem (March – June $450,000)