Shopping in Escambia County became a bit more expensive Saturday when a 1 percent sale tax increase went into effect.

The new sales tax rate in Atmore, Flomaton in Brewton is 10 percent. The sales tax in East Brewton jumped to 11 cents on a dollar. J

The 1-cent increase is expected to boost the county’s annual revenue by over $2.7 million. Without it, commissioners said the county would face service cutbacks and possible layoffs due to lower general fund revenue, partially due to a lagging oil and gas severance revenue and gas taxes.