Local officials say sales tax numbers across El Campo and East Bernard continue to lag, adding pressure on already tight budgets. Wharton was the only city in the area to see a strong increase this cycle, with its rebate jumping nearly 23 percent. The county also posted a solid gain, marking its third strong month in a row. But El Campo’s rebate slipped more than 6 percent, and East Bernard saw a steep 14-percent drop. Leaders say these declines highlight the importance of keeping dollars in the community by shopping local whenever possible.