Tourism Dollars Contribute to Early End of 1% Tax Collection

Tourism dollars contributed significantly to the early end of the one-cent specific purpose tax collection.

Two years ago, Park County voters approved a short term, one penny tax to fund infrastructure projects in the county. The extra penny tax will end this month – a full five months earlier than the county originally projected.

Park County Treasurer Barb Poley says much of the tax dollars came in during the summer months, with tourists paying in a large portion of the $13.68 million dollars.

The funds were divided primarily into projects for the three major communities – Powell, Cody and Meeteetse. Cody and Meeteetse are putting the money to use improving water and sewer infrastructure, and Powell has a street project that’s long overdue.

Cody’s City Administrator Barry Cook says that the tax has allowed the City of Cody to make improvements that would not have been funded otherwise.

Powell’s Economic Development Director Christine Bekes pointed out that the success of the one percent tax showed Park County residents that they now have another tool they can use to fund large projects.

The one percent sales tax will go away at the end of this month – but that money will now be put to work, improving the lives of county residents.