Collections decrease nearly 14% from 4Q 2024

After a nice rebound from the third quarter (Jul.-Sept.) to the fourth quarter (Oct.-Dec.) of 2024, LaSalle Parish sales tax collections in the first quarter (Jan.-Mar.) of 2025 are down nearly 14%, seemingly revealing an economy that is slowing.

Total sales tax collections for 4Q 2024 totaled $3,218,689.94 while in the first quarter of 2025 the total was $2,824,811.91, a decrease of 13.9%.

Sales tax collections were released last week by the parish’s sales tax collection agency, the Department of Revenue & Taxation Sales & Use Tax Division of the Concordia Parish School Board.

While linking sales tax collections to consumer spending is not completely accurate to judge the overall economy, it is one of the main tools economists use to evaluate the general economy of an area. After the rebound of nearly 20% in collections from the 3Q to 4Q of 2024, many felt the economy would be booming with the inauguration of President Donald Trump. However, figures released last week indicate it has slowed once again.

All sales taxes in the parish decreased from 4Q 2024 to 1Q of 2025, but the largest was the Town of Tullos’ one-and-a-half-cent sales tax, which decreased 51.1%. The second largest decrease was the Town of Olla’s one-cent sales tax, which decreased 29%.

Others included the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office half-cent Law Enforcement sales tax and the LaSalle Parish Police Jury’s half-cent Garbage sales tax, both showing decreases of 11.3%.

The LaSalle Parish School Board’s two, onecent sales taxes also decreased, the first by 13.6% and the second by 8.9%. The final parish sales tax, the Town of Jena’s one-cent sales tax, had a decrease of 8.8%.

Although everyday items are going down in prices slightly, the overall global economy has been upended by President Trump’s tariff policies, causing many economists to be uncertain about what the near future holds. Many predict an eventual strong rebound though they warn it will take many months to see the turnaround the President is expecting.

LaSalle Parish continues to maintain the second lowest unemployment rate in the entire state, the lowest in central and north Louisiana, and while residents are working and have money, they appear to be watching their spending more closely during recent months.

LaSalle Parish School Board #1 & #2

The first one-cent sales tax collected for the LPSB showed collections for 1Q of 2025 totaling $787,223.15, compared to $911,790.35 collected in 4Q of 2024. This resulted in a decrease of $124,567.20, or 13.66%.

The second one-cent sales tax collected for the LPSB showed collections for 1Q of 2025 totaling $786,779.55, compared to $864,108.40 collected in 4Q of 2024. This resulted in a decrease of $77,328.85, or 8.95%.

The third one-cent sales tax was discontinued on June 30, 2023; however, some small collections continue to be received. Although no money was collected on this tax in January or February 2025, it was recorded that $110.03 was sent in for March. The collection agency reminds all businesses that this tax is no longer in effect and to not collect that one-cent.

LaSalle Parish Police Jury

The LPPJ’s half-cent Garbage Sales Tax also saw collections decrease. During 1Q of 2025, the half-cent collected $393,371.49, compared to $443,730.23 collected in 4Q of 2024. This resulted in a decrease of $50,358.74, or 11.35%.

LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office

The LPSO’s half-cent Garbage Sales Tax also saw collections decrease. During 1Q of 2025, the half-cent collected $393,371.49, compared to $443,730.23 collected in 4Q of 2024. This resulted in a decrease of $50,358.74, or 11.35%.

Town of Jena

The Town of Jena’s one-cent sales tax collections also decreased. During 1Q of 2025, the one-cent collected $365,996.96, compared to $401,331.75 collected in 4Q of 2024. This resulted in a decrease of $35,334.79, or 8.8%.

Town of Tullos

The Town of Tullos’ one-and-one-half cent sales tax had a dramatic decline in collections. During 1Q of 2025, the tax collected $25,066.20, compared to $51,296.95 collected in 4Q of 2024. This resulted in a decrease of $26,230.75, or 51.14%.

Town of Olla

The Town of Olla’s one-cent sales tax had the second largest decrease in collections. During 1Q of 2025, the tax collected $72,893.04, compared to $102,702.03 collected in 4Q of 2024. This resulted in a decrease of $29,808.99, or 29.02%.

Comparing 1Q of 2024 to 1Q to 2025

Looking back to a year ago to see a comparative view of collections, data reveals a mixed bag of ups and downs.

For the LPSB’s first tax, it was down $410.71 from 1Q of 2024 to 1Q of 2025. In 2024, this tax collected $787,633.86 while in 2025 it collected $787,223.15. However, the second LPSB tax was up $3,017.55 from 1Q 2024 to 1Q 2025. In 2024, this tax collected $783,762.00 while in 2025 it collected $786,779.55.

For the Town of Jena’s tax, it was down $32,293.29 from 1Q of 2024 to 1Q of 2025. In 2024, this tax collected $398,290.25 while in 2025 it collected $365,996.96.

The Town of Olla’s tax was also down from 1Q of 2024 to 1Q of 2025, totaling $17,506.87. In 2024, this tax collected $90,399.91 while in 2025 it collected $72,893.04.

The Town of Tullos’ tax was also down $4,584.99 from 1Q of 2024 to 1Q of 2025. In 2024, this tax collected $29,651.19 while in 2025 it collected $25,066.20.

However, the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Tax was up $1,491.86 from 1Q of 2024 to 1Q of 2025. In 2024, this tax collected $391,879.63 while in 2025 it collected $393,371.49.

The LaSalle Parish Police Jury’s Garbage Tax also recorded an increase from 1Q of 2024 to 1Q of 2025, totaling $1,536.41. In 2024, this tax collected $391,835.08 while in 2025 it collected $393,371.49.