The Town of Farmville reported a total increase of revenue by 3.77 percent from 2016-2017 with a total of $1.4 million in revenue in 2017.

Among the revenue items that have seen increases, according to a news release from the town, have been contractors, which includes new construction. The revenue item for contractors has increased by $16.6 million from 2016, the release cited.

Restaurant sales were also among the items that have had increases of revenue. The town reported in the news release that restaurant sales have increased by $3.9 million.

There have also been increases for retail automotive sales and hotel/motel revenue, the release cited.

Members of the Farmville Town Council, during its April 11 meeting, commented on the revenue report.

Town Manager Gerald Spates reported during the April 11 meeting that grocery store sales are down approximately $200,000 in 2017, but said that “is not a significant number.”

He said retail automotive sales, which include car sales and service stations, have increased by more than $2 million. Other retail, Spates said, have decreased by approximately $1.7 million.

Total dollar volume for retail sales, Spates said, came to $581,822,823 in 2017.

“I think our retail sales are very strong,” Spates said.

John Burton, project manager with Farmville Downtown Partnership, an organization that focuses on developing the Town of Farmville’s commercial and historical aspects, said he believes the increased revenue demonstrates the development the town has seen in the past year.

“For the past several years, particularly downtown, has been in kind of a renaissance period that I think is really very exciting,” Burton said. “If you look at Hotel Weyanoke, which is about to open up, and Third Street Brewing and One19, they are all excellent opportunities for people to come and stay in the area.”

Spates commented on the hotel retail sales in 2017 during the April 11 meeting, which have increased by approximately $1 million compared with 2016 sales.

Three hotels in Farmville have seen development this year, as the Tru Hilton Hotel at 1913 S. Main St. held its grand opening Thursday, Hotel Weyanoke on 200 High St. is holding its grand opening on May 7 and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on 404 Sunchase Blvd. is projected to open in July.

“I think the hotels and motels are probably both a little bit more since the new ones are becoming online,” Spates said.