Jackson and Teton County set SPET ballot issues

The Jackson Town Council and Teton County Commissioners have finalized a project list under the Special Purpose Excise Tax (SPET). The list goes to a special election May 2, 2017. The SPET is an optional, voter-approved, 1 percent sales tax. It is paid by visitors and residents on most goods and services purchased within Teton Teton County, excluding food. The tax has been in place since the 1980’s and provides $10-$12 million per year for public capital construction and infrastructure projects. Each of these projects will appear on the ballot as separate items: * Replacement of current START Buses and Purchase of Additional START Buses: $6.5 million * Town/County Government Employee Housing at START Bus Facility: $8.3 million * Central Wyoming College (CWC) – Jackson Center: $3.82 million * Town of Jackson Pedestrian Improvements: $1.5 million * County/Town Recreation Center Capital Repair, Replacement and Renovation: $2.4 million * Town/County Housing at Parks and Recreation Maintenance Facility: $2.9 million * Redmond/Hall Affordable Housing/Rentals Project: $4.05 million *Fleet Maintenance Facility and START Bus Storage: $15.33 million * Fire Station #1 (Jackson) and Fires Station #3 (Hoback) Improvements: $6.8 million * St. John’s Living Center: $17 million The ballot will also include a separate issue asking voters to approve the use of $1.5 million in funds left over from a South Park Loop Pathway project, which came in under budget. Town and County elected officials would like to use that money for a South U.S. Highway 89 pathway, underpass and wildlife fencing. The number of projects approved by voters does not impact the amount of taxes paid, but does determine how long the tax is collected. The town and county will host two public open houses to discuss the SPET election and the various options. They are scheduled: Wednesday, March 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Center for the Arts, Center Theatre Lobby. Wednesday, April 19, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.at the Teton County Library Ordway Auditorium. Additional information is available here.