North Dakota's taxable sales were up by 28 percent in the third quarter this year compared to the same period in 2007, Tax Commissioner Cory Fong announced Tuesday.

The state brought in about $3.5 billion in taxable sales and purchases between July and September, up $755 million when compared to the 2007 figures, Fong said in Tuesday's statement.

Of the state's 50 largest cities, those posting the largest gains include Tioga, Stanley and Williston. Bismarck had a 5.9 percent gain from 2007, earning $335.8 million.

Towns experiencing a decline in taxable sales include Mandan, down by .6 percent, and Ashley, which fell by 17.9 percent.

Counties with the largest increases compared to 2007's third quarter stem from oil rich areas such as Burke, up by 423 percent, Stark, up by 89.3 percent, Williams, up by 79.1 percent, and Mountrail, up by 77 percent.

Burleigh County grew by 4.6 percent, earning $340.7 million in the third quarter.

Fourteen of the state's 15 industries also reported growth, including the wholesale trade sector - the largest increase in terms of dollars earning $254.4 million. The transportation and warehousing sector grew by the largest percentage at 503 percent. North Dakota's retail sector also grew by about 7.8 percent.

The only sector to decline was the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, dropping by .8 percent.

Other sectors that grew include: mining and oil extraction by 104.5 percent; financial, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing by 47.7 percent; utilities by 37.4 percent; miscellaneous by 28.6 percent; manufacturing by 24.9 percent; construction by 22.4 percent; educational, health care and social services by 9.3 percent; accommodation and food services by 8.2 percent; retail trade by 7.7 percent; and information industries by 6.4 percent.

The third quarter revenues were marked by all-time record highs for oil at $140 a barrel in July, and ended in September on the cusp of the financial meltdown.

And while Sen. Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck, said he was happy to hear about the third quarter revenues, he added that revenues from the fourth quarter are not likely to be as robust.

"It shows that we're not having the same problems," Stenehjem said. "But caution … I'd like to see what this last quarter brings."

Bismarck City Administrator Bill Wocken said he is interested to see what the fourth quarter has to offer, as well.

"I'm hopeful," Wocken said. "The climate is probably not the optimum. We seem to have a little bit of a bright spot, if you will, than other areas that we've heard about."

"As we wrap up the all-important Christmas shopping season, despite reports of weak sales at the national level, we look forward to 2009 with a level of cautious optimism," Fong said.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@bismarcktribune.com.)