El Campo saw a small but welcome 1.39% boost in July sales tax revenue, ending a months-long decline. The city received over $530,000 this cycle, though it’s still down 8.5% for the year. City officials say the rebound helps but won’t close the budget gap, and a tax increase is likely unless property values rise. Wharton’s collections held steady with a 0.9% gain, while East Bernard’s rebates dropped 15.5%. Countywide, rural rebates jumped 22%, but overall year-to-date totals remain below last year’s pace.