Douglas County merchants took in an 11.2 percent increase in taxable sales in September, according to information released by the Nevada Department of Taxation on Thursday.

Douglas had $54.5 million in taxable sales during the month, a more than $5 million increase over September 2011.

Taxable sales figures are typically released two months after they are collected.

This is the second month in a row with double digit increases in sales taxes. In August, taxable sales climbed 10.7 percent to $54.9 million. September was also the first month to see a decrease in sales tax collection since April. September saw taxable sales climb past September 2008 when taxable sales were $54.34 million.

So far county merchants have collected 7.3 percent more than in the previous fiscal year.

Nearly a quarter of the county's taxable sales are collected at its food service and drinking places, which saw a 6.9 percent increase over the month to $12.7 million. General merchandise stores were flat with $6.4 million in September.

Building material and garden equipment doubled down during September, bringing in $4.1 million during the month, a 92.6 percent increase over the previous year.

Merchant wholesalers of durable goods brought in $3.6 million during the month, a 44.4 percent increase over September 2011.

Food and beverage sales saw an 8.2 percent increase to $3.16 million for the month.

Motor vehicle and parts dealers brought in $3.13 million, a 55 percent increase over the previous year.

Carson City taxable sales were essentially flat in September, showing a .5 percent increase in the month.

Statewide, merchants brought in $3.73 billion during the month, up from $3.58 billion in 2011.