When you shop for a present this holiday season, you might think of what it might mean to the recipient who will be opening it. This year, though, your gift means just as much to the person you are buying it from.

Our entire community is concerned about what COVID-19’s disruptions to business operations have meant for our local small businesses, and for the families of their employees. Many businesses have had to suspend operations at some point this year due to CDC recommendations or emergency declarations. Now is the time for us to step up and support our local businesses by Shopping Home for the Holidays.

Don’t forget another important gift you can give our businesses — wearing your mask and following CDC guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19 this holiday season. By doing so, you help our community stay healthy and open for business.

Why Shop the Rock?

Not only does shopping locally help keep your favorite local businesses open — it also benefits your community!

When you purchase taxable goods and services in Round Rock, you pay 8.25 percent in sales taxes. 6.25 percent goes straight to the state of Texas, and the other 2 percent stays here in Round Rock.

Here’s the breakdown:

1 percent goes into the general fund to pay for basic local government services like police, fire protection, parks and the library. This covers more than one-third of the cost of these essential services.

A half-percent of Round Rock’s sales tax directly works to reduce your property tax rates, thanks to a measure passed by Round Rock voters in 1987.

The last half-percent of sales tax is for economic development – primarily in the form of major road projects.

There are plenty of great shopping centers and retailers in town, so what are you waiting for? Shop local — it’s the gift that keeps on giving!