FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Fayetteville’s total taxable sales for April 2025 were about $287 million, an increase of roughly 4.2% — approximately $11.5 million — from April 2024, Chief Financial Officer Stephen Dodson told the city council at its July 1 meeting.

Dodson said the manufacturing sector accounted for a large share of the gain (roughly $6 million). Retail trade was near flat (+1%), while the food-service and accommodations sector fell about 2% (about $1 million). April sales taxes received in May 2025 showed the city portion up 4.07% (about $109,000) and the county portion up 6.07% (about $125,000), yielding a combined month-over-month collection increase of about 4.94% or $235,000.

Year-to-date combined City and County sales taxes were approximately 5.43% higher than the same period last year, Dodson said.

Dodson also presented the May 2025 monthly financial report, noting General Fund property tax and sales tax receipts were up roughly 3% month-over-month, building permits were up 16% (about $203,000) and charges for services declined by about $179,000. He reported variances across enterprise and special revenue funds — for example, water and sewer fund revenues were up about 2.3% year to date, and airport flight operations were up about 16% through May.

On the audit, Dodson announced the city’s 2024 annual comprehensive financial report had been posted to the city website and that the 2024 audit “were issued with an unmodified opinion for the financial statements, for the compliance with State requirements and our compliance over Federal awards. And no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were noted in our internal controls.”

Why it matters: Sales-tax and permit trends affect the city’s near-term revenue outlook and budget monitoring; the unmodified audit opinion signals no material weaknesses for fiscal 2024 and is required for compliance and federal award transparency.

What’s next: Dodson invited councilmembers and the public to review the posted 2024 financial report and to contact finance staff with any questions.