Big Boost for Yuba County Sales Taxes Tops in State
Building Construction Remains Strong
 

First quarter sales for 2004 in Yuba County grew 12.5% as compared to January – March, 2003. This represents the highest change for the quarter in all combined cities and counties statewide, and is ranked only number two behind San Luis Obispo County for all unincorporated area sales tax gains in California.

“The sales growth is largely attributable to the addition of Wal-Mart in the third quarter of 2003 and building construction activity,” commented Randy Margo, Yuba County Assistant CAO. “It’s a positive trend as we work on diversifying our local economy with more retail and commercial projects and attracting more jobs to Yuba County.”

Ten of the top 25 sales tax producers for the first quarter of 2004 are directly tied to Sacramento Region construction projects as building and lumber-related companies continue to dominate in sales production.

“Construction manufacturing continues to be the engine driving the train,” commented John Fleming, Economic Development Coordinator. “Until recently the construction has been focused in Folsom, Roseville, Elk Grove, and Lincoln, however we now have a number of approved, significant residential subdivisions coming on line.”

“We’re experiencing a lot of activity at the front counter these days,” concurred Tim Snellings, Community Development Director. Yuba County has issued 1,047 residential building permits over the last 12 months.” One hundred seventy building permits were Issued the prior year in 2002/2003.

Most of the high growth activity is centered in the East Linda and Plumas Lake Specific Plan areas located in Linda and Olivehurst. “In 1999 we had a population of 25,000 and over 8,200 homes in these two areas,” said Fleming. “This doesn’t take into account the 500 homes Beazer has sold over the last few months in Rio Del Oro, the completion of River Glen in Olivehurst by KB Home, the ribbon cutting at Sutter Meadows by Reynen and Bardis, the in-fill developments that have occurred over the last five years, or the pending subdivisions in the East Linda and Plumas Lake Specific Plan areas.

“Today there’s not a single bank, entertainment amenity, significant business park, or commercial center in these communities. Developers get excited about new rooftops, but this population is currently being served by two grocery stores,” emphasized Fleming. “The need for quality retail and commercial developments to be occurring now can not be understated. The first significant neighborhood retail shopping center will be very successful and will help establish shopping patterns for these high-growth areas.”