SPET proposals go to voters in November

The Jackson Town Council and Teton County Board of County Commissioners have agreed to send three Special Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) issues to voters in November. The measure would extend the community’s “6th penny” 1 percent sales tax originally approved in 2010.

The first $14.5 million proposal would fund the implementation of plans to mitigate and close the existing Teton County Landfill at Horse Thief Canyon and the design, initial construction, and possible land acquisition for an expanded trash transfer, recycling and composting facility.

The second proposal seeks $13.4 million for the acquisition of the eastern ten acres of the Bridger Teton Forest Supervisor’s Office site at 340 North Cache in Jackson. That property would then be used for a “public purpose” as well as an extension of Mercill Avenue. It would also provide up-front funding for the cost of the project, allowing the Town of Jackson to issue general obligation bonds of $9.3 million.

The third portion of the SPET ballot will include $4.3 million to fund the acquisition of land, then planning and design of a pathway from Stilson Transit Center to the Flat Creek Bridge.

Voters can approve all or none of the individual SPET proposals in the November general election.