MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) — Shopping locally could mean a reversal of some budget cuts in Mt. Juliet. 

Sales tax revenue is reportedly up along with licenses for new businesses. In fact, the city expects to see continued momentum with Sprouts set to open next month.

“I hope it's not a fluke and it's a trend we continue to see over the next few months, especially as we go into the holiday season,” said Scott Hefner, District 3 Commissioner for the city of Mt. Juliet. 

The city’s revenues from sales tax this fiscal year increased 11% compared to last year. Hefner told News 2 that equates to roughly $2.3 million more in sales tax revenue.  All of this impact's city services and infrastructure.  

"Of course our emergency services, EMS, fire and our police department," Hefner told News 2.

Additionally, Hefner said there is more welcomed news for the city. Mt. Juliet is also on track to see a historic number of new business licenses this year. Last year, the city had 216 new business licenses.   

“The year before that we had 204 and this year we are set to have 250 new business licenses in Mt. Juliet,” said Mark Hinesley, president and CEO of the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce. 

This comes on the heels after a tighter budget was passed by commissioners this summer, with several budget cuts and an increase in property taxes.   

Hefner said now he’d like to take a look back at the budget come January. 

“There are many things that were removed from the budget from each one of those emergency services that I hope to take a look at in a few months," he expressed. 

However, he said he feels encouraged that more retailers are eyeing Golden Bear Gateway and the city is attracting big names like Costco, BJ’s and soon to be Sprouts.   

“There is still plenty of grass that I’m seeing in and around that area; so I'm hoping to see more dirt getting pushed around in the next 6 to 12 months as we continue to see more building permits come in,” Hefner said.  

Sprouts is expected to open their doors next month. 

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/shopping-locally-could-mean-a-reversal-of-some-budget-cuts-in-mt-juliet/