Casper City Council approves change to 5th Cent Tax

CASPER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - At the city council meeting Tuesday night in Casper, an ordinance was passed, potentially removing the 5th Cent Tax from the ballot.

The 5th Cent Tax... Also known as the One Cent Tax in Natrona County... Was enacted in 1974 to help build the Ford Wyoming Center. And it’s been approved by voters, every four years, ever since. Mayor Bruce Knell explains just how important that extra penny is.

“What that penny has done over the last 50 years is... Build fire stations and police departments... And supplied police vehicles and fire vehicles... And help support our non-profits... And build parks... Our roads/infrastructure... They’ve helped with our water/sewer treatments... Our plants...”

In a unanimous vote on Tuesday night, Casper City Council approved a change to the tax ordinance. By putting it in perpetuity, City Council believes this will help when planning projects.

As Knell explains, “If we know that money is going to be there, it does allow... And make the planning process more proficient. And much better for long term planning within the city.”

Knell says he and other council members feel the change is needed... And sooner rather than later.

“The previous councils... And we even had a previous councilman speak to us last (Tuesday) night... This can has been kicked down the road for years. That’s why our roads are in the shape their in. And this council has taken a stand, that we want to at least maintain if not improve our roads. They haven’t been taken care of the way they should be, and now we aim to do that!”

Though some residents at the council meeting were in opposition to this ordinance change, Knell says it was the right call to make.

“You know, I was elected as the leader, to do what I felt was best for our community. In my estimation... In my educated opinion... Knowing all the facts... This is by far what is absolutely best for our community now, and in the future.”

Before the Natrona County Commission will appove the change county-wide, four of the six municipalities will need to approve the change. The towns of Edgerton and Midwest are also examining the issue.

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