Council backs placing 1% special-excise tax on Nov. ballot for regional parks projects

The Evanston City Council on June 17 approved a resolution to place a proposition on the Nov. 4, 2025 special election ballot asking Uinta County voters whether to impose a 1% special-purpose excise tax to fund parks projects, including a community pool.

Kim Larson, director of Evanston Parks and Recreation, told the council the joint resolution will be approved by the town of Bear River, the town of Lyman, the town of Mountain View and the Uinta County commissioners; the countywide vote will determine whether the tax is imposed. Larson and others said the county drafted the joint resolution and that it is necessary to get the proposition on the November ballot.

A council speaker noted that, under Wyoming statute referenced in the meeting, the tax would sunset once the listed projects are completed. The resolution as drafted and circulated by the county estimates total receipts of about $40,605,209 over six years based on past excise tax collections and projections.

Councilors discussed that the resolution does not itself impose a tax but authorizes placing the question before county voters. Supporters said the measure will allow communities to decide whether to fund a pool and other parks improvements; several municipalities had already passed the joint resolution and the council voted to join them. The motion to approve the resolution was introduced and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Council members thanked county staff and a county contact (Amanda/ Ms. Kalsa was referenced in discussion) for preparing the joint language and coordinating signature logistics.