CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) -- Taxable sales in Nevada fell 18.8 percent in July from a year ago, marking the ninth straight month of double-digit declines.

A report from the Nevada Department of Taxation says sales in Clark County, the economic engine of the state's tourism-dominated economy, fell nearly 20.6 percent, while sales in Washoe County, which includes Reno, fell 15.2 percent.

Fifteen of Nevada's 17 counties reported declines, with Churchill and Humboldt being the only exceptions.

Gross revenue collections from sales and use taxes totaled $242 million, a 13.5 percent decrease compared with July 2008.

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