Some of Nye County’s key businesses saw an overall rebound in the past fiscal year, according to recent state numbers.
Businesses in the county reported $547 million in taxable sales for the 2016 fiscal year ended June 30, a 10 percent increase from the prior fiscal year.
However, the number is well below the $624.8 million realized in the fiscal year 2014, which was driven by the construction of the SolarReserve plant outside Tonopah.
Furniture and home furnishings stores posted a strong fiscal year with $4.8 million in taxable sales, an increase of 22.5 percent. Despite the strong gains, one of the longest running furniture stores in Pahrump closed its doors, when Frazier Furniture closed shop in June. Owners Ron and Marion Frazier called it quits after 21 years in town to retire and travel the country.
Durable goods stores sales increased 15.8 percent to $48.3 million for the year, motor vehicle and parts dealers saw sales increase 7.2 percent to $71.2 million, and general merchandise stores increased 3.8 percent to $51.5 million.
Restaurants and bars totaled $42,710,815, which is a slight increase overall of 1.2 percent.
Vince Neil’s Wild Side Tavern, which opened up in December, has seen its share of ups and downs for the year. Owner Michael Tsunis explained that he heard his patrons out and addressed their needs.
“I believe the industry has to sustain a medium too for the environment,” Tsunis said. “Pahrump sales have increased since we lowered the prices, but of course our margins have gone down significantly.
“However, in a small town like Pahrump, you have to give the customers what they want.”
Telecommunications saw a strong jump in numbers, as Valley Electric Association Inc., introduced its subsidiary, Valley Communications Association to the county. VCA offers increased broadband internet speeds at costs below the industry average.
For June, telecommunications were up 20 percent over the same period last year, compiling $168,350 in taxable sales, compared to last June’s $140,166. For the fiscal year, the sector saw an 117 percent increase to $4.3 million.
Other significant taxable sales categories seeing increases included utilities up 50 percent to $4 million, specialty trade contractors up 160 percent to $33.9 million, chemical manufacturing up 3.9 percent to $35.4 million, building materials and garden supplies up 4.9 percent to $34.3 million, and general merchandise stores up 3.8 percent to $51.5 million.
Compared to statewide numbers, Nye County had a percent change twice as large as Nevada as a whole. Nevada drew $52.8 billion in the fiscal year 2016, which was a 4.8 percent jump.
Neighboring Clark County also saw a similar number to the state, with a 4.8 percent increase to $39.2 billion.
Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.