Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Business Journal Q4 2014 | Page 44

One Percent Optional
Sales Tax
(The 5th Penny)

Laramie County residents first approved the One Percent General Purpose Optional Sales Tax (5th
Penny) in 1978. It has been continued every four years by voter approval.
Public Works (69%)

The Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) receives no general fund money for its operation or projects.
This means no property tax, no state (4%) sales tax, and no general sevice fees are used to suppport this
critical department. The day to day operations of Public Works are funded by three primary sources: gas tax,
diesel tax, and the one percent optional sales tax.

Public Safety (5.5%)

The Sheriff’s Department uses its allocation of the tax to purchase patrol cars and other equipment. Vehicle
purchases over the last four years have averaged $265,830 per year. Other equipment this tax provides
include in-car computers, safety vests and radio equipment.

Library (10%)

The 5th Penny tax provides funding for books, books on tape, DVDs and other library matierals. Distributions
to the library have averaged $555,440 per year over the past four years.

Recreation (1%)

The tax has provided $225,894 in the past four years to maintain and improve county parks.

Fire Protection (2.5%)

Without funding from the 5th Penny, county fire districts would be hard pressed to purchase updated firefighting equipment. With tax distributions of just $564,734 in the past four years, districs still need loans and
grants to purchase a single piece of equipment.

Technology (2.5%)

The 5th Penny provides funding for updated software and hardware, reducing the need for more personnel in
many county offices. Increases in property assessments, motor vehicle titles, license plates and child support
checks are managed with technology.

Health & Welfare (6.5%)

Laramie County uses funds from the 5th penny to enter into agreements with agencies such as Peak
Wellness, Cheyenne Transit, Cheyenne Housing Authority, Pine Bluffs Senior Center, Meals on Wheels and
other local groups to provide their services. Laramie County does not have the means to have government
operated senior cneters, mental health programs or other vital health, safety and welfare services without the
5th Penny tax.
Public Works
Library
Health & Wellness

FY 2015 Projected
Revenue = $5,500,000

Public Safety
Fire Protection
General Government
Capital Outlay
Economic Developement
Recreation

PG 44 l

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