During the financial report at Tuesday’s Selma City Council meeting, Selma Mayor George Evans had positive news on the city’s sales tax figures.

Increases were reported in September, October and November, which he said shows people have been shopping locally.

Council president Cecil Williamson said the numbers were impressive.

“Through the first three months of the year sales taxes has increased $155,000,” he said. “It shows you that people have been shopping in Selma.”

In addition to shoppers, Williamson said there has been an increase in people visiting the city from out of town and staying overnight.

“Also, the lodging taxes was up $10,000,” he said. “That shows that people are still coming and staying in Selma.”

Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce executive director Sheryl Smedley agreed.

“People are supporting their community’s local economy by shopping for goods and services in Selma,” she said.

Selma Mayor George Evans expressed his gratitude to those who helped bring the increase. He also said the numbers could be even stronger for the next quarter when holiday shopping is figured in to the equation.

“We want to thank all the citizens for shopping in Selma and doing things to make us have additional money,” he said. “We hope people will keep shopping Selma. We think our next report from the Christmas holidays could be even better.”