Laramie-area officials weigh 1% specific-purpose sales tax amounts and whether to hold special election in May or August

Laramie City Council, county commissioners and the Rock River Town Council met in a joint work session to review revenue forecasts and options for a proposed 1% specific-purpose sales tax and to discuss whether the tax question should appear on a special May or an August ballot.

The session centered on revenue scenarios prepared for officials and on the practical steps needed to put a question before voters. "If we have an election in May, it's gonna be a special election. It will be the only question on the ballot," said Kayla, the election staff member who presented the calendar and key statutory deadlines. Kayla also warned that ballot language and resolution approvals would need to be ready early in the calendar year if the council chooses a May special election.

Why it matters: the sales-tax question funds capital projects across multiple governments and could raise tens of millions of dollars. Different forecasting assumptions produced materially different totals and will shape how the city, county and Rock River prioritize streets, airport work and other infrastructure projects.

Most of the night's discussion…