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State senator urges long-term fix to property tax changes, fields local concerns over gaming and 'backfilling'
Summary
State Senator John Cole told the Rock Springs City Council the upcoming short budget session will force difficult choices; he warned a 2% sales-tax swap cannot replace property-tax revenue and said local input is needed on gaming and skill-based machine rules.
Senator John Cole, addressing the Rock Springs City Council during a legislative update, urged the city to engage with lawmakers as the 2026 short budget session opens, saying the session requires a two-thirds introduction threshold and that municipalities should push for durable solutions rather than temporary fixes.
"2% does not make up for the amount of property tax," Cole said, warning that shifting property taxes toward a sales-tax model would leave a funding gap and risks cutting essential services such as fire, police and road maintenance. He said he favors seeking a "long term permanent solution" rather than ad hoc backfilling of revenue.
Cole also described one of his priorities as restoring clearer local control over gaming licenses and tightening where skill-based games can operate. "At the very least, they're restricted to the liquor footprint of the liquor store," he said, citing efforts to remove machines from grocery stores. He said the industry should help develop workable rules rather than leaving the legislature to craft them.
Councilors pressed Cole for specifics. Councilor Dimas asked how House or Senate File 32 (on 9-1-1 funding) would affect Sweetwater County; Cole replied distribution likely follows population served. Councilman Bingham raised concerns about direct-distribution proposals and asked how backfilling would work; Cole acknowledged it is a contentious issue and said he would pursue a permanent fix.
A brief exchange grew tense when Councilor Melones challenged Cole's remarks about proponents of tax change, saying she was offended by a comment that some people "didn't do well in school" at math. Cole responded that his critique targeted the arithmetic of a 2% sales-tax proposal and reiterated his focus on realistic, long-term fiscal planning.
Cole invited the council to submit topics for his consideration and said he is working on several bill drafts, including one to stiffen penalties for blocking vehicles when impeding travel. "If anyone wants to know anything more and in particulars, you can always ask me," he said.
The council did not take formal action on specific bills during the meeting; the session's short timetable and two-thirds rule mean many proposals may not proceed unless they clear procedural thresholds.
