(KAIR)--Atchison's property tax collections are running below expectations, while sales tax revenue continues to exceed projections, according to a financial report presented during the October 19 meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

City Manager Mark Westhoff told commissioners property tax collections had reached 91.1 percent of the projected amount, compared with approximately 95 percent typically collected by that point in the year.

Westhoff said he contacted Atchison County officials about the lower collections and learned the county was reporting similar figures, indicating the difference was not the result of a distribution issue between the county and city.

He noted that another property tax distribution was expected before the end of the year.

Sales tax collections, meanwhile, were providing a more positive financial picture.

“Sales tax collections on the other hand are up overall above our target for the year,” Westhoff told commissioners, adding that collections were also ahead of the previous year's figures.

The financial report also included an update on the Atchison Event Center, where Westhoff reported a strong quarter, helped by the Amberwell Gala and other large events.

Westhoff said the completion of kitchen repairs at the facility allowed food for the Amberwell Gala to be prepared on-site rather than brought in from another location.

The event center also hosted the Forest of Friendship banquet, another event highlighted during the commission's discussion.

Westhoff noted improved coordination between the event center, theater staff and the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, which handles tourism promotion for the city.

He said the collaboration is helping attract conferences and other events to Atchison, including several statewide gatherings scheduled for later this year and next year.

Westhoff told commissioners those events provide opportunities to bring additional visitors to the community.