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Commissioners approve resolution to place 3/4% sales tax on ballot to fund ambulance, air and bus services
Summary
Fremont County commissioners voted to place a three‑quarters of one percent sales-and-use tax question on the 2026 primary ballot to fund ground ambulance, commercial air service and public ground transportation after extensive debate about tribal and municipal participation and wording of the question.
The Fremont County Board of Commissioners voted to place Resolution 2026‑09 on the primary ballot asking voters to approve a 0.75% sales-and-use tax to fund ground ambulance, commercial air service and public ground transportation.
A county presenter told commissioners the measure would be presented to voters either by petition or by initiation by the commissioners plus participation by municipalities; staff noted statutory timing requires action by the end of March to meet ballot deadlines. Commissioners debated whether to specify exact distribution percentages in the ballot language or leave allocation details to later memorandum-of-understanding negotiations with municipalities and tribal governments.
Why it matters: Commissioners said ambulance services are running at a net loss and the county has spent roughly $1.8 million supporting ambulance operations. Supporters argued a sales tax spreads the cost among consumers and creates a reliable revenue stream to maintain essential services including airport air service used for medical and economic needs.
Key points of debate: Some commissioners urged caution, saying municipalities and tribal governments should be partners and that voters deserve clear language on how proceeds will be used. One commissioner objected to the approach, arguing governments should first develop an intergovernmental allocation plan rather than immediately asking residents to tax themselves. Tribal participation was discussed: county staff said officials had contacted the Northern Arapaho and other tribes and that interest in participation existed, but formal tribal approvals were not yet in hand.
Vote and next steps: After debate, a motion to approve Resolution 2026‑09 — to place a 3/4% economic development sales-and-use tax on the 2026 primary ballot to support ground ambulance, commercial air service and public ground transportation — passed (motion moved, seconded and carried). Staff said they will return with memoranda of understanding and more detailed distribution options and will continue outreach with municipalities and tribal councils.
Quote: “The ambulance is my number one thing,” a commissioner said, urging a sales-tax approach because “everybody pays.” Another commissioner said the ballot question should be refined and presented to municipalities and tribes for their input before finalizing administrative agreements.
Ending: The board authorized staff to pursue municipal and tribal coordination and to return with allocation options and draft memoranda of understanding; the measure will appear on the 2026 primary ballot pending municipal approvals and any petition processes.
