RINGGOLD, Ga. (AP) - Authorities say May tax revenue in Catoosa County, where tornadoes ripped through the small north Georgia town of Ringgold, were 11 percent above projections and 4 percent higher than last May.
May is the first full month since the April 27 tornado outbreak that destroyed several homes and businesses.
Catoosa County Financial Officer Carl Henson said it appears the rebuilding effort outweighed the commercial loss from the storms.
Henson told the county commission this week that May's revenue was $60,000 over forecasts and $23,000 more than last May.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that some officials point to recovery-related purchases - such as building materials - as a reason for the increase.
Henson also said residents are replacing furniture, vehicles, appliances and other items lost in the storms.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
