A specific purpose excise tax (also referred to as a SPET) is an optional tax designed to fund a specific capital project within a county or municipality. It is a sales tax for all purchases of goods and services in the county or municipality where voters have passed SPET ballot measures. It does not tax groceries. By statute, the funds generated from the 6th penny cannot be used for ongoing operational funding. Instead, the funds must be designated for a specific purpose or capital project. Unique to the 6% special purpose tax is that the tax sunsets when the funds are collected. The tax is tied to a capital project (or projects) with a specific dollar amount. Once the voter-approved revenue has been collected, the tax goes away. (Source: University of Wyoming Extension).

No. If any specific purpose excise tax ballot measures pass, it will be collected as a single 1% sales tax. If all ballot measures are passed, we will pay an additional 1% sale tax until the projects are funded and then the tax will go away.

These projects are critical to our long-term economic stability and prosperity. As the energy economy continues to change, Campbell County residents will have to decide if we are going to invest in our community through tax dollars. For decades most of these capital projects were funded primarily through revenue from mineral extraction. These projects each bring their own important benefits. The Gurley Overpass is critical transportation infrastructure that is necessary to keep our roads and traffic functional. The Cam-Plex brings millions of dollars a year to our community, and it needs additional facilities to continue to be an economic driver. The Town of Wright housing infrastructure is critical because we need homes for workers and to attract new business to the region as energy jobs fluctuate. While these projects are a tax, they are important investments that will make our community more resilient. Wyoming and Campbell County have one of the lowest tax rates in the nation. Taxes are a serious matter, especially when hard-working families are feeling the effects of inflation and the cost of living increases. We have to continue to responsibly invest in Campbell County to keep our community strong and independent.

As public institutions the Cam-Plex, the Gurley Overpass, and the Town of Wright are all funded by residents. These projects make Campbell County a functional, vibrant community that is open for business, and a place individuals and families make home. If these things were self-funding only the wealthy members of our community could drive on roads, live in our community, and enjoy the event space.