Expiring 6th Cent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expiring 6th cent?
- 13 Wyoming counties use the 6th Cent to build special facilities
- The new Laramie County Public Library was recently built using the 6th Cent.
- With voter approval, Wyoming counties may adopt a Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET), also known as a "Capital Facilities Tax" or "6th Cent" sales tax for capital improvements
- Plans for how funds will be spent must be specified on the ballot.
- By law, an approved SPET or "6th Cent" tax stops at the end of the quarter in which the specified amount is reached.
How long will the tax last?
- One cent of Natrona County tax currently yields $19.9 million annually.
- At this rate, funds for a new library would be raised in approximately 27 months, at which point the tax would end.
Who decides how the money is spent?
- Before placing a 6th Cent measure on the ballot, terms will be specified for the expenditure of the revenues
- An annual audit ensures that the funds are used for the specified purpose.
- NCPL's Board of Trustees is actively seeking community input into the building's design so that the building will adequately fulfill the needs and expectations of Natrona County citizens.
How does the ballot language read?
- The ballot language was approved by NCPL's Board of Trustees on June 19th and reads as follows:
- "For a new public library; shall Natrona County be authorized to impose an additional one percent (1%) Specific Purpose Sales and Use Tax, within Natrona County, for the purpose of acquiring property, building a new library with equipment and appropriate parking, located in central Casper in order to expand literacy, education, programs and services for all citizens; this tax shall raise $43,250,000 at which time the Specific Purpose Sales and Use Tax will expire; any excess tax funds and interest thereon shall be used for operation and maintenance or construction of the new library and all funds will be subject to an annual audit."
