Powell Senior Center Director Linda Dalton told Park County commissioners last week the senior center has been working on plans for a new building since 2017. That’s nearly 10 years of trying to figure out funding, from state grants during the massive Covid-era funding disbursements from the federal government, to a one-time plan proposal with the Rocky Mountain Manor. 

The staff and board have tried everything else before asking for a tax. 

Now, with the need greater than ever and the state projecting a continued influx of older residents — not to mention a graying current populace — funding for a new Powell senior center will be on the November ballot. 

After hearing from representatives from Powell, Cody and Meeteetse on Tuesday about their individual projects, commissioners approved putting the ballot measure question on the general election ballot in November. 

What it asks is if voters — not to mention tourists — are willing to spend 5% in sales tax instead of 4% for likely the next two years to fund the building of a new Powell senior center, big upgrades to the Cody Auditorium and a new garbage truck and smaller upgrades to community buildings in Meeteetse. 

Last time a specific purpose sales tax was placed on the ballot in 2016, more than 53% of voters supported it, and I’ll tell you now I’m going to be one of the supporters of the ballot measure this time around. 

I’ve always considered a sales tax to be one of the fairest taxes around, as it’s a consumption tax, meaning it’s a tax you only pay when you make purchases — and not on essentials such as groceries.  It’s also one where tourists to Park County pay a sizable percentage. 

I’ve also always been in favor of specific purpose taxes as opposed to general purpose taxes — this way, our decision to pay more tax (or not) is based on the actual projects to be funded. Most counties in the state have implemented a fifth cent general purpose tax, but the last time it was tried here it went over like a lead balloon. 

This shows local voters want to know where their money is going — many don't mind paying taxes if it’s to a good cause. 

Bottom line, in this instance I think this fifth penny would be going to a good cause, especially in regards to the Powell senior center.