Fifth Cent Sales Tax Renewal and Funding Framework

At a glance

• What: The optional one cent (fifth cent) countywide sales tax, its renewal on the November 3 ballot, and a new framework for how Casper allocates it.
• Where it stands: At the 2026-10-13 work session the Council heard the public education material, survey results (608 responses, about 67 percent likely to vote yes) and a subcommittee recommendation to treat the tax as general purpose, appropriate it annually and sort funding requests with a decision matrix. No vote was taken.
• Next: If renewed, collections for the 18th period begin January 1; existing funding contracts run through 2028, and a community initiative request process would follow.

Details

• Priorities from the survey: streets, flood prevention and public safety.
• Matrix categories: essential service providers and tenant operators, partner agencies, council community initiatives, and economic and destination development.
• Grant matching has brought in about four dollars for each local dollar.

Sources

• City Council agendas and minutes: https://www.casperwy.gov/government/city_council/agendas_minutes.php

Log

2026-10-13 - City Council Work Session

• Staff and the Council subcommittee presented public education material, the spring survey, the August 18 resolution and the community funding decision matrix; members asked how agencies would be classified and whether to survey again. No vote.