SPET - Public Open House
Tuesday, October 29
5:00pm - 7:30pm
Old Wilson School House
Representatives from the Town, County, and Historical Museum will be on hand to answer any questions that you might have about any of the 10 SPET initiatives.
On November 5, 2019 Teton County voters will be able to go to the election poles to vote on a 1% Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET). Ten (10) projects have been identified by the Town and County elected officials to be placed on the November ballot. SPET is a voter approved 1% sales tax paid by visitors and residents on most goods and services (excluding unprepared food) purchased within Teton County. The funds allow local government to construct community facilities, infrastructure or amenities that would otherwise require other sources of revenue, such as bonds or property tax. It is estimated that visitors to Teton County contribute approximately 60% of the total amount of sales tax collected.
WHAT IS SPET?
The Specific Purpose Excise Tax is a voter-approved 1% sales tax paid by visitors and residents on most goods and services (excluding unprepared food) purchased within Teton County. The funds allow local government to construct community facilities, infrastructure or amenities that would otherwise require other sources of revenue, such as bonds or increased property tax.
It is estimated that visitors to Jackson pay 60% of the total amount collected. These projects would be leveraged with funds collected from our visitors.
HOW AND WHEN CAN I VOTE?
Now:
OPTION #1. Voters can vote now (in-person absentee) in the Teton County Clerk’s office (200 Willow Street) between 8am & 5pm Monday - Friday
OPTION #2. Voters may request an absentee ballot by calling 307-733-4430, or by completing an Absentee Ballot Request Form (found at http://www.tetoncountywy.gov/269/Absentee-Voting) and e-mailing it to elections@tetoncountywy.gov). Absentee ballots will start being mailed out September 26, 2019. Voters can drop off the form in person at the County Clerk’s Office or send in the mail:Absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk’s Office no later than 7 p.m. on November 5, 2019
November 5: Election Day:
Voting Centers are open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at:
• Teton County Library
• Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center
Proposition #1:
Town of Jackson Downtown Water Quality Improvement Infrastructure – Cache Creek Project
$2,000,000.00
Proposition #2:
Core Services Vehicle Maintenance Facility
$18,500,000.00
Proposition #3
Teton County Courthouse
$2,000,000.00
Proposition #4:
“Road to Zero Waste” Infrastructure Improvements at the Teton County Recycling Center and the Teton County Composting Facility
$2,500,000.00
Proposition #5:
Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Wildland Firefighting Apparatus Replacement
$1,600,000.00
Proposition #6:
Gregory Lane – Street, Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure, and Safe Route to School
$8,500,000.00
Proposition #7
Community Housing Opportunities
$5,500,000.00
Proposition #8
History Museum Building – Genevieve Block
$4,400,000.00
Proposition #9
Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center Expansion and Renovation, Community Climbing Gym, King Street Extension, and Stormwater Treatment
$22,000,000.00
Proposition #10
Wildlife Crossings
$10,000,000.00
DID YOU KNOW:
DOES THE TOWN OF JACKSON IMPLEMENT A PROPERTY TAX?
No. The Town has the ability to assess up to 8 mills of property tax, but currently assess 0 mills.
WILL THIS INCREASE OUR CURRENT LEVELS OF TAXES?
No. The sale tax rate in Jackson is 6%. If any of the SPET propositions are passed, the sales tax rate will remain at 6%. The tax rate will not increase.
WILL VOTING FOR OR AGAINST ONE ITEM IMPACT THE OUTCOME OF ANOTHER?
No. There are 10 separate proposals on the SPET ballot. Voting for or against any one item does not impact the outcome any of the other proposals. Each SPET item is separate and independent.
WHY ARE THESE PROPOSED PROJECTS NOT JUST FUNDED BY NORMAL BUDGET FUNDS?
The SPET tax is a normal funding tool that the State of Wyoming allows local governments to fund community facilities, infrastructure or amenities that would otherwise require other sources of funding, such as bonds or increased property tax.
WHO PAYS FOR SPET?
The Chamber of Commerce estimates that tourists to Teton County pay up to 60% of all sales tax collected.
EXPLANATION OF YOUR SALES TAX
1950 - The State of Wyoming implemented 4% Sales Tax. Of this, 69% goes directly to the State of Wyoming and 31% is returned to Jackson and Teton County where it is split based on population (Town: 45%. County: 55%).
1993 - A 1% Local General Option Sales Tax was implemented (the 5th penny). Of this 1% is remitted to the State of Wyoming for an administrative fee and 99% is returned to Teton County and Jackson where it is split based on population (Town: 45%. County: 55%).
1985 - a 1% Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) was implemented. Of this 0% is remitted to the State of Wyoming for an administrative fee and 100% is returned to Teton County and Jackson where it is split based on population (Town: 45%. County: 55%).
There is no Town of Jackson property Tax assessed.
Additional Opportunity to Learn More about SPET:
SPET - Happy Hour Hot Seat
Wednesday, October 30
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Silver Dollar Bar
Click here to learn more about all ten SPET items:
http://townofjackson.com/537/2019-SPET-Information