CASPER, Wyoming – Natrona County voters have narrowly approved a special county tax to provide financial stability to several nonprofit organizations that serve the region’s elderly residents.
Unofficial results from the Natrona County Clerk’s Office of Elections show that the bipartisan bill to create the Natrona County Senior Citizens Service District passed with 110 votes out of 14,168.
Of these, 7,148 or 50.39% voted for the special district, while 7,038 or 49.61% voted against.
Because of the narrow margin, the Natrona County Election Office will likely conduct a recount.
Regardless of the outcome of a recount, the results will be approved by the Natrona County Election Board next week and then by the State Election Board.
Because the ballot proposal passed according to unofficial results, Natrona County voters will elect trustees for the new district in the November 5 general election.
Earlier this year, Aimee Fleming of Central Wyoming Senior Services said she understood that people did not want a property tax increase, but the request was critical to the programs offered in the Casper area through CWSS, the Casper Senior Center and Meals on Wheels.
However, Central Wyoming Senior Services has used its cash reserves to cover expenses and those are nearly depleted, Fleming said.
“We are very conscious of the current state of property taxes. … However, this funding is critical to the continuation of our services in Natrona County,” Fleming said. “A one per thousand levy would generate approximately $1.7 million per year, and we might not even fully utilize the levy. The cost of the one per thousand levy to taxpayers would be $1.58 per month, or $19 per year for a $200,000 home.”
“For the past five years, we have had to use our cash reserves to keep the senior center afloat,” said Amy Fleming of Central Wyoming Senior Services. “Our reserves are almost depleted.”
The service district proposers held several forums throughout the year.
There was apparently no organized opposition in sight, even though many people on social media said they did not want new taxes.
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