A report from the Montgomery County Office of Finance shows more income tax revenue has been collected this year, which couples with a slight decrease in the county's unemployment rate in October.
After three straight years of very bleak reports, those numbers are welcome news for county leaders like Council President Roger Berliner.
"I do believe we are beginning to see the faint signs of flickering lights at the end of this dark economic tunnel," Berliner said. "But it's obviously a little too soon to be rejoicing."
Other taxes collected by the county, on items such as telephones, fuel and hotel rooms, are not bringing in the money that was projected.
An increase in the county energy tax was supposed to expire at the end of June, but that may not happen now. County Executive Isiah Leggett has indicated the tax hike may stay in effect because of possible cuts in state and federal aid, as well as the uncertainty regarding how much money other county taxes are bringing in.
Copyright WAMU 88.5 - American University Radio. All Rights Reserved.
