Laramie council adopts prioritized project list to seek 2026 specific-purpose excise tax funding

The Laramie City Council on Sept. 8 unanimously approved a prioritized list of 14 projects to seek funding through a 2026 specific-purpose excise tax (SPET), motioned by Councilor Micah Richardson and seconded by Councilor Matt Lockhart. The resolution as amended passed 9–0 and authorizes the mayor and city clerk to sign the final language and the council’s negotiating subcommittee to represent the city in talks with Albany County and the Town of Rock River. "That committee has constructed and come forward with" the list, Assistant City Manager Todd Caesar told the council as he presented the projects. The subcommittee identified the ballot ask at about $57,000,000, staff and members said during debate. Why it matters: The SPET list sets the projects Laramie will ask voters and partner jurisdictions to approve and guides which projects the city will pursue with matching general-fund contributions and bonding if the tax is approved. The list prioritizes…