Specific Purpose Excise Tax
SPET
Election Day
All Teton County residents can vote between 7:00am and 7:00pm at either the Teton County Library or the Old Wilson Schoolhouse.
FAQs we commonly get about SPET, taxes and budgets for town projects:
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.
The Chamber of Commerce estimates that tourists to Teton County pay up to 60% of all sales tax collected.
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.
WHAT ARE THE SPET PROJECTS ON THE BALLOT?
Ten (10) projects have been identified by the Town and County elected officials to be placed on the SPET ballot.
Town of Jackson Downtown Water Quality Improvement Infrastructure – Cache Creek Project
Core Services Vehicle Maintenance Facility
“Road to Zero Waste” Infrastructure Improvements at the Teton County Recycling Center and the Teton County Composting Facility
Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Wildland Firefighting Apparatus Replacement
Gregory Lane – Street, Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure, and Safe Route to School
Community Housing Opportunities
History Museum Building – Genevieve Block
Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center Expansion and Renovation, Community Climbing Gym, King Street Extension, and Stormwater Treatment
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT?
CLICK HERE to learn more about all ten SPET items: http://townofjackson.com/537/2019-SPET-Information