Sales Tax: The Life Blood of Our City
Transcription
Sales Tax: The Life Blood of Our City
A monthly publication produced by the Sales Tax: The Life Blood of Our City Keep Calm and Clean On Tour 23 TEAM 2.0 Number 5 l May, 2015 Business Outlook Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 2 Sales tax: the life blood of our city Article courtesy of Dave Hanks, CEO of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce So, what is the big deal about Sales Tax for our community? Sales Tax collections make-up by far the largest revenue stream for our city. Nothing really compares and depending on which penny you are talking about the impact can be even greater. The state of Wyoming has a 4 cent state sales tax that is collected by the State Government, the majority of these first 4 pennies stay at the state level. They are used to finance state agencies and programs. On average, 20% of the funds from these pennies are returned to the cities, towns, and counties, in Wyoming. The rest stays in Cheyenne to be saved or to be used by state government agencies and programs. Sweetwater County also collects a 5th and 6th Penny, above the state requirement. These additional sales tax percentages have had a very positive effect on our lives. The 5th Penny is an optional sales tax that has 90% of its collections returned to the city. Basically, the 5th penny alone represents 30-35% of the City’s total operating budget. This 5th Penny was made ‘permanent’ several years ago after being supported by the voters on the allot eight-different times over the course of 32 years. This has proven to be a terrific tool in adding stability to the budgets of our city and maintaining the level of service that our citizens require. The 6th Penny that we also passed and collect is a ’project specific tax’ that has a finite total that can be collected. Once the dollar amount needed for the specific project is reached, the ta is suspended. This has also been a good tool for Rock Sprigs and Sweetwater County. In Rock Springs alone over the passed 15 years this tax has generated close to $100 million for basic infrastructure projects. Between, 6th Penny money, grants, and matching funds, our city has had the capacity t expand, replace, and retrofit sewer, water, and streets; all essential requirements for a community to grow and thrive! Because of the 6th Penny revenues, 98% is returned to the project, Rock Springs has been able to infill our open areas throughout the city leading to more economic development. Taxes are no-body’s charities of choice, they are however important to the quality of life we enjoy in our great state. Running water, parks, paved streets, and toilets that flush are things we all expect. A well trained police force and the fire department are not optional, we are fortunate to have both. Land that is readily available for development only adds to our appeal to outside investors and businesses looking to expand or relocate to Rock Springs and Sweetwater County. Families moving into the area check the quality of schools, hospital, and available housing. All are factors in how prosperous a community is and will become. I am proud of our community and its citizens, we have invested wisely in our own future. The taxes collected today and how they are invested will shape our community for the next 20-30 years. We must do what is necessary for our city, to continue to move forward and progress, while making intelligent choices pertaining to the 5th and 6th penny. Our county has moved forward as one with voters having input along with elected officials. Therefore, whenever possible “support your own, spend at home” and try to find that product you need here locally. After all, we all like to drink water and drive on safe streets. Spending locally whenever possible, ensures that tax revenue is collected and reinvested here at home. (Left) Gateway Pump Station Project built with 5th Penny Tax Collections (Right) Stagecoach extension, built with collections from the 6th Penny Special Purpose Tax. Rock Springs Chamber 1897 Dewar Drive 307-362-3771 [email protected] www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com Business Outlook Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 3 Get Your Team Together for the 12th Annual City Wide Cleanup! Colorado/Green River Diversion Update April 15, 2015 Each May the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rock Springs partner to host the Annual City Wide Cleanup. This event allows residents to get out and prove how much they love our community by doing their part in cleaning it up. Every year the volunteers pick up several tons of trash, and it really does make a difference! Not only does it make the community look better for the residents, but it also helps prepare our town for the thousands of guests that will come to our town for the National High School Rodeo and other summer events. Pick up your complimentary This year the t-shirt, water, gloves, and event will be held trash bags at the Rock Saturday, May 16th, Springs Chamber today! with a free lunch being held at the Young at Heart Senior Center at 1p.m. to all participants. Special awards and raffle drawings will also be held at this time. T-shirts, gloves, bags, and water will also be available at the Chamber May 1st to all teams. Also, in conjunction with the cleanup, the Chamber will also have personal shredding available Monday, May 18th from 5-7p.m. Colorado Document Security is offering this service for the donation of a canned food item for each box of documents shredded. If you have questions or are interested in signing up for the cleanup please contact the Rock Springs Chamber at 1897 Dewar Drive, or give them a call at 362-3771. The Colorado Water Plan may include the agreed upon “Seven Points” which form the basis for agreements on a Trans Basin Diversion (TBD). This includes the Flaming Gorge Pipeline projects. The Colorado/Wyoming Coalition, now lead by Denver’s South Metro, has received estimates from Reclamation and expects to complete their Green River pipeline feasibility study by June 2015. They are planning to present their findings to the communities. Las Vegas has completed a third, $900 million intake structure into Lake Mead to allow it to operate down to less than a 1,000 feet water elevation. They are proceeding with a $650million pumping project. Electrical generation and resultant power revenue loss (-$200 m per year) and grid destabilization are compromised at the 900 foot water elevation, now forecast for 2016. The Wyoming Water Strategy includes permitting and modifications to the upstream side of Fontenelle Dam plus work on the outtakes. Laramie County (Cheyenne), a member of the Colorado/ Wyoming Coalition, has been ordered by the WSEO to resolve their groundwater over pumping issues. The Bureau and four “basin” cities (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, and Phoenix) have established the Colorado River System Conservation Project, at $11 m, to buy water rights. The Upper Basin states have agreed to participate. Modification of operating practices for Flaming Gorge Dam and Reservoir to support Lake Mead are under way. The Lower Basin states have agreed to leave an additional 750 ac ft in Lake Meade to provide operational flexibility. Water, projected to 9 m ac ft., now reduced, will be released from Lake Powell (the Upper Basins “savings account”) to Lake Mead. Prepared by Don Hartley Holland Tulips and Rhine River Cruise Join the Rock Springs Chamber as we venture to Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands on the Ammadeus Silver River Boat! Limited cabins are filling quickly! Contact the Chamber at 362-3771 for more information or to reserve your exclusive spot! April 6th through April 16th, 2016 307-382-9680 307-382-9680 2441 Foothill Blvd. 2441 Foothill Blvd. Rock Springs, WY Rock Springs, WY Rock Springs Chamber 1897 Dewar Drive 307-362-3771 [email protected] Business Outlook Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 4 Thank you Renewing Members! The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank our members for their continued support of the Rock Springs Chamber’s goals. The Rock Springs Chamber is guided by our 5 core values: Promote the Community, Stimulate the Local Economy, Provide Networking Opportunities, Represent Business To Government, and Take Political Action. Thank you for your support. Renewing members through April 17, 2015. American Cancer Society Big Thicket Broadcating Black Gold Studios LLC Blatter Construction Boy Scouts of America Brokerage Southwest-Marty Martin Episcopal Church Golden Corral Restaurant Halliburton Hampton Inn and Suites - Green River Home Depot Kentucky Fried Chicken Mount of Olives Lutheran Church (ELCA) Owlfie's Platt Electric Supply Inc. Quilting On The Green Radio Network Realtor and Affiliate Charity Committee Rock Springs Home & Garden Show Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation SHINE premier nail studio Staples Superior Lube Sweetwater County Concert Association Sweetwater County Historical Museum Sweetwater County Republican Party Sweetwater Dental PC Synergy Fitness & Wellness, LLC Taco Time Village Inn Wal-Mart Supercenter Winger's Wyoming Embroidery & Sporting Goods Rock Springs Chamber State of the City Address The April Connections Luncheon hosted Mayor Carl Demshar who presented the State of the City Address. This timely presentation, as the City heads into budget season, was engaging and informative. Mayor Demshar discussed some personnel changes to both the City Council and City Department Heads. Mr. Jason Armstrong (Ward-I) has taken the seat of Billy Shalata, while Ms. Rose Moseby (Ward-IV) , Mr. Tim Savage (Ward-II), and Mr. David Halter (Ward-III) retain their ward seats. Ms. Amy Allen has assumed the position of Director of Public Services, Chief Dwane Pacheco has been appointed to Chief and Chief Jim Wamsley now leads the Fire Department. Mayor Demshar stated the city’s plan moving forward will be “operation and maintenance mode” with several large projects underway and several more scheduled, this is the best way to move the city forward. Projects currently underway include, Continue Concrete Replacement Program, Streets Overlay/Crack Sealing Programs, Water/Sewer Replacements, Sweetwater Drive Extension, Redundant Water Line, Various Water/Sewer Projects and the Wastewater Plant Expansion. These projects will open the door for our community to grow even stronger than it is. The City of Rock Springs is also working on several projects in Downtown Rock Springs, through city funds, grants, and other revenue streams. The addition of the Bunning Freight Station will help provide some funding as the space can be rented out for events. Also, steps are being taken to make Bunning Park more accessible for all that visit. Mayor Demshar and the City Council have also started the process for AML funds to help cleanup the Bitter Creek. Part of the City’s Master Plan includes a “ Road Map” of Developments, Parks, Bike and Walking Trails, Interconnectivity and Developments, which are all important to the growth our of community. In closing, Mayor Demshar stated the importance of partnerships and relationships and that he was proud of our city. (Right) Mayor Demshar presents his State of the City Address 1897 Dewar Drive 307-362-3771 [email protected] Business Outlook Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 5 Welcome New Members Pizza Hut 80 Gateway or 810 Powerhouse Road 307-382-7711 www.pizzahut.com Pizza Hut has been doing business in Rock Springs since the early 1980’s. We are open from 11am until 11pm everyday, Pizza Hut provides a wide array of pizzas, pastas, and wings. Feeling like something different? Try one of our fresh baked sandwiches. Pizza Hut introduced a new line of flavorful products in the Fall of 2014. We have spicy salami, Peruvian cherry peppers, spinach, and new sauces. We also have all of your Pizza Hut favorites! Wyoming Driving Academy 2113 Upland St. Ste. 101 307-362-5913 Wyoming Driving Academy, LLC is located at 2113 Upland St. Ste. 101 in Rock Springs. One of only three CDL training facilities in the state, Wyoming Driving Academy offers trainings in Class ‘A’, and ‘B’, covering all curriculum mandatory to pass the Wyoming Department of Transportation CDL exam. CDP (CDL Learner Permit) Courses, as well as driving evaluations and custom corporate classes are available. With 35+ years of experience in CDL driving and training, strong, supportive administrative staff, you can have your CDL in as little as three weeks, with lifetime job placement assist for the life of your CDL. Call to discuss your driving career today! 307-362-5913. Hospice of Sweetwater County 333 Broadway, Ste. 220 www.myhsc.org/ Hospice of Sweetwater County is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), organization dedicated to offering our community the support and care an individual needs during the end of life process. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for those in our care by addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice of Sweetwater County treats the patient and family as a whole and provides comfort and support for the patient and caregivers. Arnold Law Office 409 Broadway, Ste.A 307-392-2002 The Wyoming Bankruptcy Law Firm of George L. Arnold, P.C., has maintained a state-wide bankruptcy practice in Wyoming for more than 25 years. George L. Arnold has filed more than 2100 Wyoming bankruptcy cases and has taken cases on appeal to the 10th Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel. His professional reputation led to his selection by the Wyoming Bankruptcy Court to serve on the 2009 Local Rules Committee. Bankruptcy Attorney George L. Arnold is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA). He has represented bankruptcy clients from Evanston to Riverton and Casper, Green River to Rock Springs and Rawlins, Star Valley to Kemmerer and Pinedale, Jackson to Douglas and Hanna and all points in between. Seppie Physical Therapy 870 Powerhouse Rd. 307-382-3242 www.sepphiephysicaltherapy.com ''Our mission is to provide the highest quality evidence based physical therapy services by creating individualized treatment in a positive and supportive environment. We will strive to help our patients exceed their goals while operating our clinic with integrity and superior customer service.'' Elk Rentals, LLC 1709 Elk Street 406-925-2325 Located at 1709 Elk Street in Rock Springs, Elk Rentals is a flourishing business park complex offering Business rental unites. Since 2011, Elk Rentals’ facilities have has extensive interior and exterior renovations. Offering heavy and light industrial buildings with attached bays, to small business locations. Professional offices with conferences are available. High street visability and multiple entrances. Friendly and reliable management and maintenance staff. Located adjacent to I-80 and 191 N. Elk Rentals is currently home to: Badger Daylighting, A&S Water Service, Wyoming Driving Academy, Sheila’s Auto-Detailing, Coleman Constructions, RS Auto Repair, and CIG Roustabout. Call, 406-925-2325 for a tour of our available properties. Rock Springs Chamber 1897 Dewar Drive 307-362-3771 [email protected] Business Outlook Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 6 May Small Business Roundtable Pat Robbins, of the Wyoming Business council to present May Membership Connection Luncheon To feature Kelly McGovern, SWSD #1 The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and Commerce Bank of Wyoming, will be hosting the final Small Business Roundtable of the Winter/Spring series on May 6th. We will take a short break for the summer months and will pick back up in September. The Small Business Roundtables are always held on the first Wednesday of every month. Topics and presentations vary, and lunch is provided. The roundtable will run from 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will be held in the Commerce Bank of Wyoming conference room. The May Small Business Roundtable will feature South Central Regional Director Pat Robbins from the Wyoming Business Council. Pat will be presenting on the various programs that are offered through the Wyoming Business Council. The Small Business Roundtable is open to any Sweetwater County Business. You do not have to be a "Small Business" any Business any size is welcome. After each presentation, time will be allotted for comments and questions. This is a great way to network with other Businesses and gain information from the experts. For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce at 362-3771 or [email protected] . Please RSVP by no later than noon on May 5th. The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Kelly McGovern to the May Connections Luncheon. Ms. McGovern is the Superintendent of Sweetwater School District #1, a position she has held since 2014. Ms. McGovern will also be joined by Jerry Taylor of Lucerne Valley Marina to discuss the Wounded Warrior Project at Lake Flaming Gorge. Both presenters are passionate about those they serve, so this promises to be a wonderful luncheon! A festive TACO BAR, Spanish Rice, Fruit Tray, Chips and Salsa, and an Assortment of Cookies will be served! The Rock Springs Chamber REQUIRES an RSVP on or before Friday, May 8th at 4pm, the cost for luncheon will be $13. When RSVPing please remember, you will be charged whether you are able to make it or not, as we are charged for the number of RSVP’s not the number of attendees. Luncheon sponsored by: The April SBRT featured Nick Giraldo with the Market Research Department of the Small Business Development Center. Serving you in two convenient locations! Over twenty years ago, it all started with a small bingo hall. Today, the Wind River Hotel and Casino is the premier gaming establishment in Wyoming. Located South of Riverton, Wind River is owned and operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Featuring over 750 Vegas style slot machines and 10 live table games, including roulette, Blackjack and craps, Wind River is the largest gaming facility in Wyoming. Gaming has become a source of revenue for the Northern Arapaho Tribe and has provided employment opportunities for the communities. Since 2008, the casinos and its properties have grown to employ over 700 individuals making it the largest employer in Fremont County. The majority of its work force is female and members of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Check out our staff stories to learn more about our hardworking employees that help make Wind River the success it is today. What started as a small bingo hall twenty years ago has now turned into a source of pride for the Northern Arapaho people. The Wind River Hotel and Casino stands in the heart of Wyoming and is proud to be a vital component of the state. In addition to our exceptional care in Obstetrics and Gynecology we now offer Family Medicine. Same day appointments available. Accepting new patients. Se habla espanol! Schedule your appointment today, and let us take care of your family's medical needs. (307)-362-1861 3000 College Dr. and Rock Springs Chamber 1897 Dewar Drive 307-362-3771 [email protected] Business Outlook Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 7 Together Everyone Accomplishes More A dynamic half-day TEAMbuilding workshop! Join us June 5th at 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sweetwater Events Complex Small Hall for Team 2.0. We are happy to have interpersonal communications expert Bill Drury back in Sweetwater County. Bill will teach us how to build teamwork and increase productivity, building trust with your co-workers, effective ways to handle 21st Century team challenges and so much more. From 1985 until 1990, Drury was the National Training Consultant for the Zig Ziglar Corporation. He speaks, trains, and travels extensively, and has proven to be one of the most effective and entertaining speakers in the industry. This workshop will help your business go to the next level of teamwork and cooperation. The speaker, Bill Drury has received rave reviews from over 400 of the Fortune 500 companies. Please contact Kayla McDonald at 307-362-3771 to register your team today! Don't forget Workforce Training Grants are a great source of funding to help cover the cost of training programs for your employees. If you are unfamiliar with the Business Training Grants for Existing Positions, they can provide up to $2,000 per trainee per fiscal year for established Wyoming businesses with existing employees who need a skill upgrade or need re-training in their current occupations. Summer is finally upon us Summer is finally knocking on our door here in Southwest Wyoming and that means it is time to get out an experience all that Sweetwater County has to offer! The Rock Springs Chamber is your destination for information regarding the events, activities, and everything else that you need to know about Sweetwater County! The new Sweetwater County Travel Guide is new for 2015 and includes a FULL restaurant list on top of all the great activities and day trips! The Rock Springs City Map has also arrived and includes several new streets and subdivisions. These items, as well as, a few others will be delivered to local businesses, so if you would like any materials please let the Chamber know at 362-3771. Keep your eyes open for the new 2015 Rock Springs, WY sticker produced by the URA and the Wyoming Office of Tourism Tour 23 to stop in sweetwater county Economic Development continues to thrive throughout Wyoming and Sweetwater County. The Wyoming Business Alliance is in full force starting its effort to discuss and document business conditions and economic development strengths and needs throughout the state—will hold its Sweetwater County Session May 29 in Rock Springs at the Holiday Inn. The public is invited to attend. The program is a comprehensive effort involving the Wyoming Business Council, state agencies, and business and government associations. It consists of four-hour meetings in every Wyoming County between April 13 and June 25. Each session will be moderated by Wyoming Business Alliance, with facilitation by President Bill Schilling and Vice President Fred Catchpole. University of Wyoming Associate Dean of Outreach Anne Alexander will provide local and state economic profiles at each stop. The meetings will follow an open forum concept. There will be assigned seating for 23 local leaders in an open “U” setting, but additional open seating to allow for participation from other Sweetwater County citizens who are welcome to attend. Rock Springs Chamber 1897 Dewar Drive 307-362-3771 [email protected] www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROCK SPRINGS, WY PERMIT NO. 16 P.O. Box 398 Rock Springs, WY 82902 Return Service Requested Join the Rock Springs Chamber at our Monthly Membership Connection Luncheon at the ROCK SPRINGS HOLIDAY INN (1675 Sunset Drive) On Monday, May 11th, at 12pm Please RSVP to the Chamber by email or phone, 362-3771 no later than 4:00pm on Friday, May 8th, 2015. Cost is $13 Rock Springs Chamber 1897 Dewar Drive 307-362-3771 [email protected] www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com