By By MICHELE GERLACH Publisher
It's always important for local residents to spend holiday shopping dollars at home, but this year it may be more important than ever, local leaders say.
The sales tax revenue generated locally is more crucial for the cities of Brewton and East Brewton because of the additional expenses resulting from Hurricane Ivan. But it also could be critical for local merchants.
East Brewton Mayor Terry Clark agreed.
Jennings said the City of Brewton generally sees a 10 to 15 percent spike in sales tax returns for the month of December, a number that has increased as much as 18 percent. Clark said East Brewton sees similar changes in sales tax revenues during the holidays.
He said the area has come too far in its storm recovery to give up now.