The October results came in 7.2% higher than the same month last year and with one fewer weekend day. The strong growth trend is encouraging since October marks the beginning of the off-season travel months, when fewer travelers visit Santa Barbara and TOT collections are typically lower than in the summer months.
Over $6.2 million in TOT has been collected this fiscal year, with overall growth of 6.8%. Through October, TOT is approximately $43,700 ahead of budget. The fiscal year 2013 TOT budget is $14,489,200 and factors in an estimated growth rate of 6.1% over last year’s collections. TOT in fiscal year 2012 was $13.7 million and marked the highest year on record.
The Transient Occupancy Tax table can be viewed here.