Commissioners vote down proposal to place 1% "5th penny" excise tax on ballot

Chairman Cord Lynn Bernard presented a slideshow about a proposed 1% general-purpose excise tax, often called the "5th penny," and asked whether the Board should refer the question to voters. Supporters, including Matt Murdock, Mayor of Pinedale (also speaking for Marbleton and Big Piney), and Treasurer Emily Paravicini urged allowing the public to decide the measure.

Commissioner Bradley moved to place the 5th penny on the ballot and let voters decide; Commissioner Bernard seconded. The motion failed 3-2, with Commissioners White, Stephens and Vickrey voting against the referral and Commissioners Bradley and Bernard voting in favor. Supporters argued that a ballot decision would let residents weigh potential revenue and community impacts before the county acted.

Board discussion and public comments focused on the tax’s possible uses and local impacts. The meeting record shows no formal appropriation or spending plan attached to the referral; any future use of revenues would require additional Board action if voters approved the measure. The Board took no further action on the tax after the failed motion.