Karen S. Kim
GLENDALE -- Glendale's sales-tax revenues rose higher in the second
quarter than city finance officials expected, but still fell behind those
in Burbank and Pasadena.
Between April and June 2001, Glendale's sales-tax revenues rose to
about $6.1 million -- a 5.1% increase from its second-quarter revenues in
2000.
Officials were pleasantly surprised with the new numbers.
"The quarter prior had not been as good, and with everybody talking
recession and slowdown, we had expected lower than the 5%," said Bob
Franz, Glendale's director of finance and administrative services.
But Burbank's sales-tax revenues soared 8.2% in its second quarter,
while Pasadena saw an increase of 5.3% from its second-quarter revenues
in 2000.
"We knew we'd have a good quarter, but I think it was better than we
expected," Burbank City Manager Bud Ovrom said. "I think the key to us is
that we just have a very strong, diversified economy. Because of that, we
tend to weather whatever fluctuations we may face."
In contrast, Glendale's sales-tax revenues rely heavily on its two
largest producers, the auto industry and general consumer goods, Franz
said.
"As we look at Glendale's quarterly reports, how those two sectors do
usually dominates the numbers," he said.
Glendale would like to continue solidifying its base of car dealers
and the Glendale Galleria because developing new businesses isn't much of
an option.
"There are a number of areas where we wish the numbers were higher,
but we're a fairly built-out city and we have a fairly limited
opportunity for large retail centers," Franz said.
The auto industry, Glendale's chief sales-tax generator, accounted for
about $1.98 million of the city's total second-quarter 2001 sales-tax
revenues of $6.1 million. Sales of general consumer goods generated $1.94
million in taxes in Glendale's second quarter.
TOP PRODUCERS (Listed in alphabetical order)
Allen Gwynn Chevrolet
Best Buy
Bob Smith Toyota
Calstar Mercedes
Colonial Honda
Foothill Nissan
Glendale Mitsubishi
Glendale Nissan Infiniti
Guy Schmidt GMC Mazda
JCPenney
Kwik Gas
Lexus of Glendale
Macy's
Mervyn's
New Century Volkswagen
Nordstrom
Pacific BMW
Ralphs
Robinsons-May
Sears
Star Ford
Toyota of Glendale
Vons
Walt Disney Imagineering
World Wide Technology
