Town, county to discuss new vote on sales tax
By Cara Rank, Jackson, Hole, Wyo.
November 2, 2009
Town and county leaders today are expected to discuss an election to renew a 1 percent sales tax, a constitutional amendment that would ban a real estate tax and the comprehensive plan.
The Jackson Town Council and Teton County Board of Commissioners will gather at 3 p.m. for their monthly joint information meeting. They’ll meet in county chambers, 200 S. Willow St.
The first item on their agenda is to schedule an election for new specific purpose excise tax projects.
The final distribution of the $31.2 million in ballot initiatives voters approved in 2006 was dispersed just weeks ago. Money that is now collected will go toward the SPET projects approved in 2008. Based on the distribution schedule, the final payout for those is projected for November 2010, said county Treasurer Donna Baur.
The SPET is a 1 percent sales tax that funds voter-approved projects. It has traditionally raised about $11 million annually, though numbers could shrink if sales tax receipts continue to decline. Voters earmark those funds every few years for specific projects.
In 2008, voters approved $1 million for town sidewalks, $1.5 million for library addition design costs and $2.5 million for planning for a START bus barn.
The largest single item is a proposed pathway between Wilson and Jackson, which has $6 million earmarked.
Today, councilors and commissioners will be asked to consider holding another SPET election in 2010, no later than the Aug. 17 primary.
The county cannot let the tax lapse or the option will disappear.
Other items on today’s agenda include an update from a new panel focused on affordable-housing issues. The group has not yet made a public presentation.
Officials also are expected to discuss the Wyoming Realtors Association’s proposed constitutional amendment to ban a real estate transfer tax.
Finally, officials will receive an update on the comprehensive plan, including information on organizing an environmental commission and hiring a transportation consultant.
