in rates. Securitiesavailable-for-sale income increased from an increase in rates paid on the portfolio. The Company has a sizable floating rateavailable-for-sale portfolio. These securities reprice as interest rates rise. Interest-bearing deposits income increased primarily from an increase in rates. The increase in interest income was partially offset by an increase in interest expense. This was mainly the result of increased rates paid on money market, saving and NOW accounts, and time deposits. The Company has modestly raised interest rates on these products to remain competitive.
Provision for Loan Losses
For the quarter months ended June 30, 2019, the loan loss provision was $250,000 compared to a provision of $450,000 for the same period last year. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the loan loss provision was $625,000 compared to a provision of $900,000 for the same period last year. The decrease in the provision, for both time periods, was primarily the result of lower loan growth. Further discussion relating to changes in portfolio composition is discussed in Note 4.
Non-Interest Income and Expense
Other operating income for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 increased by $1,275,000 from the same period last year to $4,997,000. This was mainly attributable to an increase in other income of $540,000, an increase in lockbox fees of $371,000 and an increase in service charges on deposit accounts of $218,000, and gains on sales of mortgage loans of $139,000 Lockbox income increased as a result of an increase in customer accounts. Other income increased mainly as a result of proceeds from life insurance policies. Service charges on deposit accounts increased primarily as a result of an increase in customer activity.
Other operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased by $1,509,000 from the same period last year to $9,424,000. This was mainly attributable to an increase in lockbox fees of $669,000, an increase in other income of $516,000, an increase in service charges on deposit accounts of $360,000, and gains on sales of mortgage loans of $154,000 offset, somewhat, by a decrease of $190,000 from the sales of securities. Lockbox income increased as a result of an increase in customer accounts. Other income increase mainly as a result of proceeds from life insurance policies. Service charges on deposit accounts increased primarily as a result of an increase in customer activity.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, operating expenses increased by $1,105,000 or 6.4% to $18,264,000, from the same period last year. This was primarily attributable to an increase in other expenses of $659,000, salaries and employee benefits of $380,000, occupancy expenses of $61,000, and equipment expenses of $15,000, offset, somewhat, by a decrease in FDIC assessments of $10,000. Other expenses increased primarily as a result of increases in pension and consulting expense. Occupancy costs increased primarily as a result of increases in rent expense associated with a new operating facility and other annual rent increases. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was mainly attributable to merit increases. Equipment expenses increased mainly as a result of increased service contracts expenses. FDIC assessments decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in the assessment rate.
For the six months ended June 30, 2019, operating expenses increased by $1,294,000 or 3.7% to $36,454,000, from the same period last year. This was primarily attributable to an increase in other expenses of $995,000, salaries and employee benefits of $190,000 and occupancy expenses of $125,000 offset, slightly, by decreases FDIC assessments of $20,000. Other expenses increased primarily as a result of increases in pension and consulting expense. Salaries and employee benefits increased mainly as a result of merit increases. Occupancy costs increased primarily as a result of increases in rent expense associated with a new operating facility and other annual rent increases. FDIC assessments decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in the assessment rate. Equipment expenses remained relatively stable.
Income Taxes
For the second quarter of 2019, the Company’s income tax expense totaled $267,000 on pretax income of $9,733,000 resulting in an effective tax rate of 2.7%. For last year’s corresponding quarter, the Company’s income tax expense totaled $314,000 on pretax income of $9,312,000 resulting in an effective tax rate of 3.4%. For the first six months of 2019, the Company’s income tax expense totaled $149,000 on pretax income of $19,033,000 resulting in an effective tax rate of 0.8%. For the first six months of 2018, the Company’s income tax expense totaled $815,000 on pretax income of $17,522,000 resulting in an effective tax rate of 4.7%. The decrease in the effective tax rate, for both time periods, was primarily as a result of a reduction in tax accruals related to sequestration of the refundable portion of our alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit carryforward. On January 14, 2019, the IRS updated its announcement “Effect of Sequestration on the Alternative Minimum Tax Credit for Corporations” to clarify that refundable AMT credits under Section 53(e) of the Internal Revenue Code are not subject to sequestration for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Therefore, the full amount of the AMT credit carryover will be refunded to the Company.
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