Southwest

Kansas’s official Consensus Revenue Estimating Group adopted a revised forecast last week that raised expectations for collections in fiscal 2012 by $199 million. The increase to $6.25 billion is up 11% from fiscal 2011 collections.

State receipts in October were $4 million less than expected, but the sag was caused by a large, unexpected income tax refund from previous years, the Kansas Department of Revenue said last week.

General revenue collections in October of $457.5 million were $23.4 million more than in October 2010, but Arkansas’ chief financial officer said the state’s economy is recovering slowly.

Trustees of the Scottsdale Cultural Council last week heard plans for a $10.5 million bond proposal that the art group plans to take to the Scottsdale City Council in March 2012.

DALLAS - Falling incarceration rates could interfere with Arizona's plan to issue debt to finance a for-profit private prison, according to reports.

DALLAS - Improved revenue collections indicate Oklahoma's years of budget shortfalls are history, Treasurer Ken Miller said Thursday in announcing the 20th consecutive month of revenue increases.

DALLAS - Arizona State University will have a new way to issue debt with a stadium district authorized by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in Phoenix.

DALLAS - Colorado voters refused a tax increase that would have raised $3 billion for the state's struggling school districts Tuesday and rejected several local measures that would have provided revenue for bond issues.

DALLAS - Arkansas will be able to repair and upgrade more than 400 miles of Interstate highway with proceeds from $575 million of Garvee bonds being decided by voters on Tuesday, up from earlier estimates of 300 miles.

DALLAS - Texas' 254 counties would gain new bonding authority and could team up for long-term project financing under two constitutional amendments awaiting voter approval next week.