On November 6, voters in Lincoln County will decide whether to increase the local sales tax by one percent in order to pay for infrastructure improvements throughout the County. We encourage you to vote yes on this proposition. This tax reflects Wyoming values and is the easiest way for voters to have a direct say in how tax dollars are used. Here are five reasons why:

1. The money cannot be used for general government operations. By law, this tax cannot be used to pay for anything but the projects on the ballot that are approved by voters. Compare this to regular tax dollars — these are spent by the town council or county commission. With the 6th Penny, you have a vote in exactly how the money is spent.

2. The money will be used to pay for infrastructure — especially roads. Whether you live in town or out of town, chances are at some point you’re going to be driving on paved roads. 83 percent of the money collected through this proposition will be used to repair roads throughout Lincoln County. Have you ever rumbled through a pothole on Canyon Road in Kemmerer? Have you ever driven up Greys River Road in Alpine to go fishing? Have you ever been to visit friends or family who live on Star Valley Ranch’s dirt roads? This money will go to make sure these roads and many, many others are in good condition for years to come. The reality is that even under the best conditions, roads eventually need to be replaced, just like cars, roofs, or a furnace…it just costs about $1 million per mile to build a road.

3. The proposition is based on consensus. In a sign of unity, communities in Star Valley and south Lincoln County came together unanimously to bring this proposition forward for a vote. Failing infrastructure doesn’t know political lines.

4. The tax is temporary: once the money is collected, the tax goes away. There is no way to make this tax permanent. In fact, estimates suggest it will be in effect for about 3 ½ years. This would be the single largest across-the-board investment in road infrastructure in Lincoln County in a generation, and it could be paid for debt free in under four years!

5. A lot of the money won’t come out of your pocketbook. According to the Wyoming Office of Tourism, visitors contribute about $1 million in sales tax revenue every year (and counting!) in Lincoln County. Major industries such as mining, natural gas, and oil contribute large percentages of sales tax. This tax allows us to reinvest in our communities using funds from sources other than your wallet.

Voter-driven. Temporary. Debt-free. Consensus-based. Focused on infrastructure. These are Wyoming values that should resonate with anyone. Vote Yes for the 6th Penny on November 6!

South Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation