Sales Tax: The Life Blood of Our City

A monthly publication produced by the
Sales Tax:
The Life Blood of Our City
Keep Calm and Clean On
Tour 23
TEAM 2.0
Number 5 l May, 2015
Business Outlook
Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 2
Sales tax: the life blood of our city
Article courtesy of Dave Hanks, CEO of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce
So, what is the big deal about Sales Tax for our community? Sales Tax collections make-up by far the largest revenue stream for our city. Nothing really compares and depending on which penny you are talking about the
impact can be even greater.
The state of Wyoming has a 4 cent state sales tax that is collected by the State Government, the majority
of these first 4 pennies stay at the state level. They are used to finance state agencies and programs. On average,
20% of the funds from these pennies are returned to the cities, towns, and counties, in Wyoming. The rest stays in
Cheyenne to be saved or to be used by state government agencies and programs.
Sweetwater County also collects a 5th and 6th Penny, above the state requirement. These additional sales
tax percentages have had a very positive effect on our lives. The 5th Penny is an optional sales tax that has 90%
of its collections returned to the city. Basically, the 5th penny alone represents 30-35% of the City’s total operating budget. This 5th Penny was made ‘permanent’ several years ago after being supported by the voters on the
allot eight-different times over the course of 32 years. This has proven to be a terrific tool in adding stability to
the budgets of our city and maintaining the level of service that our citizens require.
The 6th Penny that we also passed and collect is a ’project specific tax’ that has a finite total that can be
collected. Once the dollar amount needed for the specific project is reached, the ta is suspended. This has also
been a good tool for Rock Sprigs and Sweetwater County. In Rock Springs alone over the passed 15 years this tax
has generated close to $100 million for basic infrastructure projects. Between, 6th Penny money, grants, and
matching funds, our city has had the capacity t expand, replace, and retrofit sewer, water, and streets; all
essential requirements for a community to grow and thrive! Because of the 6th Penny revenues, 98% is returned
to the project, Rock Springs has been able to infill our open areas throughout the city leading to more economic
development.
Taxes are no-body’s charities of choice, they are however important to the quality of life we enjoy in our
great state. Running water, parks, paved streets, and toilets that flush are things we all expect. A well trained
police force and the fire department are not optional, we are fortunate to have both. Land that is readily available
for development only adds to our appeal to outside investors and businesses looking to expand or relocate to Rock
Springs and Sweetwater County. Families moving into the area check the quality of schools, hospital, and
available housing. All are factors in how prosperous a community is and will become.
I am proud of our community and its citizens, we have invested wisely in our own future. The taxes
collected today and how they are invested will shape our community for the next 20-30 years. We must do what is
necessary for our city, to continue to move forward and progress, while making intelligent choices pertaining to
the 5th and 6th penny. Our county has moved forward as one with voters having input along with elected
officials. Therefore, whenever possible “support your own, spend at home” and try to find that product you need
here locally.
After all, we all like to drink
water and drive on safe
streets. Spending locally
whenever possible, ensures
that tax revenue is collected
and reinvested here at home.
(Left) Gateway Pump
Station Project built with
5th Penny Tax Collections
(Right) Stagecoach
extension, built with
collections from the 6th
Penny Special Purpose Tax.
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
ceo@rockspringschamber.com
www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com
Business Outlook
Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 3
Get Your Team Together
for the 12th Annual City Wide
Cleanup!
Colorado/Green River
Diversion Update
April 15, 2015
Each May the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rock Springs partner to host the
Annual City Wide Cleanup. This event allows residents
to get out and prove how much they love our community
by doing their part in cleaning it up. Every year the
volunteers pick up several tons of trash, and it really
does make a difference!
Not only does it make
the community look
better for the residents,
but it also helps prepare our town for the
thousands of guests
that will come to our
town for the National
High School Rodeo and
other summer events.
Pick up your complimentary
This year the
t-shirt, water, gloves, and
event will be held
trash bags at the Rock
Saturday, May 16th,
Springs Chamber today!
with a free lunch being
held at the Young at Heart Senior Center at 1p.m. to all
participants. Special awards and raffle drawings will
also be held at this time. T-shirts, gloves, bags, and water will also be available at the Chamber May 1st to all
teams.
Also, in conjunction with the cleanup, the Chamber will also have personal shredding available Monday,
May 18th from 5-7p.m. Colorado Document Security is
offering this service for the donation of a canned food
item for each box of documents shredded. If you have
questions or are interested in signing up for the cleanup
please contact the Rock Springs Chamber at 1897 Dewar Drive, or give them a call at 362-3771.
The Colorado Water Plan may include the
agreed upon “Seven Points” which form the basis for
agreements on a Trans Basin Diversion (TBD). This
includes the Flaming Gorge Pipeline projects. The
Colorado/Wyoming Coalition, now lead by Denver’s
South Metro, has received estimates from Reclamation and expects to complete their Green River pipeline feasibility study by June 2015. They are planning
to present their findings to the communities.
Las Vegas has completed a third, $900 million
intake structure into Lake Mead to allow it to operate
down to less than a 1,000 feet water elevation. They
are proceeding with a $650million pumping project.
Electrical generation and resultant power revenue
loss (-$200 m per year) and grid destabilization are
compromised at the 900 foot water elevation, now
forecast for 2016.
The Wyoming Water Strategy includes permitting and modifications to the upstream side of
Fontenelle Dam plus work on the outtakes. Laramie
County (Cheyenne), a member of the Colorado/
Wyoming Coalition, has been ordered by the WSEO to
resolve their groundwater over pumping issues.
The Bureau and four “basin” cities (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, and Phoenix) have
established the Colorado River System Conservation
Project, at $11 m, to buy water rights. The Upper Basin states have agreed to participate. Modification of
operating practices for Flaming Gorge Dam and Reservoir to
support Lake Mead are under way. The Lower Basin states have agreed
to leave an additional 750 ac ft in Lake Meade to provide operational flexibility. Water, projected to 9 m ac ft., now reduced, will be released from
Lake Powell (the Upper Basins “savings account”) to Lake Mead.
Prepared by Don Hartley
Holland Tulips and Rhine River Cruise
Join the Rock Springs Chamber as we
venture to Switzerland, Germany, France and
the Netherlands on the
Ammadeus Silver River Boat!
Limited cabins are filling quickly!
Contact the Chamber at 362-3771 for more
information or to reserve
your exclusive spot!
April 6th through April 16th, 2016
307-382-9680
307-382-9680
2441 Foothill Blvd.
2441 Foothill Blvd.
Rock Springs, WY
Rock Springs, WY
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
ceo@rockspringschamber.com
Business Outlook
Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 4
Thank you
Renewing Members!
The Rock Springs Chamber of
Commerce wishes to thank our members
for their continued support of the Rock
Springs Chamber’s goals. The Rock Springs
Chamber is guided by our 5 core values:
Promote the Community,
Stimulate the Local Economy, Provide
Networking Opportunities, Represent
Business To Government, and
Take Political Action.
Thank you for your support.
Renewing members through April 17, 2015.
American Cancer Society
Big Thicket Broadcating
Black Gold Studios LLC
Blatter Construction
Boy Scouts of America
Brokerage Southwest-Marty Martin
Episcopal Church
Golden Corral Restaurant
Halliburton
Hampton Inn and Suites - Green River
Home Depot
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Mount of Olives Lutheran Church (ELCA)
Owlfie's
Platt Electric Supply Inc.
Quilting On The Green
Radio Network
Realtor and Affiliate Charity Committee
Rock Springs Home & Garden Show
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
SHINE premier nail studio
Staples
Superior Lube
Sweetwater County Concert Association
Sweetwater County Historical Museum
Sweetwater County Republican Party
Sweetwater Dental PC
Synergy Fitness & Wellness, LLC
Taco Time
Village Inn
Wal-Mart Supercenter
Winger's
Wyoming Embroidery & Sporting Goods
Rock Springs Chamber
State of the City Address
The April Connections Luncheon hosted Mayor Carl
Demshar who presented the State of the City Address. This timely
presentation, as the City heads into budget season, was engaging
and informative.
Mayor Demshar discussed some personnel changes to both the City Council and
City Department Heads. Mr. Jason
Armstrong (Ward-I) has taken the seat of
Billy Shalata, while Ms. Rose Moseby
(Ward-IV) , Mr. Tim Savage (Ward-II),
and Mr. David Halter (Ward-III) retain
their ward seats. Ms. Amy Allen has
assumed the position of Director of Public Services, Chief Dwane
Pacheco has been appointed to Chief and Chief Jim Wamsley now
leads the Fire Department.
Mayor Demshar stated the city’s plan moving forward will
be “operation and maintenance mode” with several large projects
underway and several more scheduled, this is the best way to
move the city forward. Projects currently underway include, Continue Concrete Replacement Program, Streets Overlay/Crack Sealing Programs, Water/Sewer Replacements, Sweetwater Drive Extension, Redundant Water Line, Various Water/Sewer Projects
and the Wastewater Plant Expansion. These projects will open the
door for our community to grow even stronger than it is.
The City of Rock Springs is also working on several projects
in Downtown Rock Springs, through city funds, grants, and other
revenue streams. The addition of the Bunning Freight Station will
help provide some funding as the space can be rented out for
events. Also, steps are being taken to make Bunning Park more
accessible for all that visit. Mayor Demshar and the City Council
have also started the process for AML funds to help cleanup the
Bitter Creek.
Part of the City’s Master Plan includes a “ Road Map” of
Developments, Parks, Bike and Walking Trails, Interconnectivity
and Developments,
which are all important to the growth
our of community.
In closing, Mayor
Demshar stated the
importance of
partnerships and
relationships and that
he was proud of our
city.
(Right) Mayor Demshar
presents his State of the
City Address
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
ceo@rockspringschamber.com
Business Outlook
Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 5
Welcome New Members
Pizza Hut
80 Gateway or 810 Powerhouse Road
307-382-7711
www.pizzahut.com
Pizza Hut has been doing business in Rock Springs since the early 1980’s. We are open from 11am until 11pm everyday, Pizza Hut provides a wide array of pizzas, pastas, and wings. Feeling like something different? Try one of our
fresh baked sandwiches. Pizza Hut introduced a new line of flavorful products in the Fall of 2014. We have spicy salami, Peruvian cherry peppers, spinach, and new sauces. We also have all of your Pizza Hut favorites!
Wyoming Driving Academy
2113 Upland St. Ste. 101
307-362-5913
Wyoming Driving Academy, LLC is located at 2113 Upland St. Ste. 101 in Rock Springs. One of only three CDL training facilities in the state, Wyoming Driving Academy offers trainings in Class ‘A’, and ‘B’, covering all curriculum
mandatory to pass the Wyoming Department of Transportation CDL exam. CDP (CDL Learner Permit) Courses, as
well as driving evaluations and custom corporate classes are available. With 35+ years of experience in CDL driving
and training, strong, supportive administrative staff, you can have your CDL in as little as three weeks, with lifetime
job placement assist for the life of your CDL. Call to discuss your driving career today! 307-362-5913.
Hospice of Sweetwater County
333 Broadway, Ste. 220
www.myhsc.org/
Hospice of Sweetwater County is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), organization dedicated to offering our community the support
and care an individual needs during the end of life process. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for those in our
care by addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice of Sweetwater County treats the patient and
family as a whole and provides comfort and support for the patient and caregivers.
Arnold Law Office
409 Broadway, Ste.A
307-392-2002
The Wyoming Bankruptcy Law Firm of George L. Arnold, P.C., has maintained a state-wide bankruptcy practice in
Wyoming for more than 25 years. George L. Arnold has filed more than 2100 Wyoming bankruptcy cases and has taken cases on appeal to the 10th Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel. His professional reputation led to his selection by
the Wyoming Bankruptcy Court to serve on the 2009 Local Rules Committee. Bankruptcy Attorney George L. Arnold
is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA). He has represented bankruptcy clients from Evanston to Riverton and Casper, Green River to Rock Springs and Rawlins, Star Valley to Kemmerer
and Pinedale, Jackson to Douglas and Hanna and all points in between.
Seppie Physical Therapy
870 Powerhouse Rd.
307-382-3242
www.sepphiephysicaltherapy.com
''Our mission is to provide the highest quality evidence based physical therapy services by creating individualized
treatment in a positive and supportive environment. We will strive to help our patients exceed their goals while operating our clinic with integrity and superior customer service.''
Elk Rentals, LLC
1709 Elk Street
406-925-2325
Located at 1709 Elk Street in Rock Springs, Elk Rentals is a flourishing business park complex offering Business rental unites. Since 2011, Elk Rentals’ facilities have has extensive interior and exterior renovations. Offering heavy and
light industrial buildings with attached bays, to small business locations. Professional offices with conferences are
available. High street visability and multiple entrances. Friendly and reliable management and maintenance staff.
Located adjacent to I-80 and 191 N. Elk Rentals is currently home to: Badger Daylighting, A&S Water Service, Wyoming Driving Academy, Sheila’s Auto-Detailing, Coleman Constructions, RS Auto Repair, and CIG Roustabout. Call,
406-925-2325 for a tour of our available properties.
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
ceo@rockspringschamber.com
Business Outlook
Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 6
May Small Business Roundtable
Pat Robbins, of the Wyoming
Business council to present
May Membership Connection
Luncheon To feature
Kelly McGovern, SWSD #1
The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce in
partnership with the Small Business Development
Center and Commerce Bank of Wyoming, will be
hosting the final Small Business Roundtable of the
Winter/Spring series on May 6th. We will take a short
break for the summer months and will pick back up in
September. The Small Business Roundtables are
always held on the first Wednesday of every month.
Topics and presentations vary, and lunch is provided.
The roundtable will run from
11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will
be held in the Commerce Bank
of Wyoming conference room.
The May Small Business
Roundtable will feature South
Central Regional Director Pat
Robbins from the Wyoming
Business Council. Pat will be
presenting on the various
programs that are offered
through the Wyoming Business Council.
The Small Business Roundtable is open to any
Sweetwater County Business. You do not have to be a
"Small Business" any Business any size is welcome.
After each presentation, time will be allotted for
comments and questions. This is a great way to
network with other Businesses and gain information
from the experts. For more information and to RSVP,
please contact the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce
at 362-3771 or ceo@rockspringschamber.com . Please
RSVP by no later than noon on May 5th.
The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce is
pleased to welcome Kelly McGovern to the May Connections Luncheon. Ms. McGovern is the Superintendent of Sweetwater School District #1, a position she
has held since 2014. Ms. McGovern will also be joined
by Jerry Taylor of Lucerne Valley Marina to discuss
the Wounded Warrior Project at Lake Flaming Gorge.
Both presenters are passionate about those they serve,
so this promises to be a wonderful luncheon!
A festive TACO BAR, Spanish Rice, Fruit Tray, Chips
and Salsa, and an Assortment of Cookies will be
served!
The Rock Springs Chamber REQUIRES an RSVP on or before
Friday, May 8th at 4pm, the cost for luncheon will be $13. When RSVPing
please remember, you will be charged whether you are able to make it or
not, as we are charged for the number of RSVP’s not the number of
attendees.
Luncheon sponsored by:
The April SBRT
featured
Nick Giraldo
with the
Market Research
Department of
the Small
Business
Development
Center.
Serving you in two
convenient locations!
Over twenty years ago, it all started with a small bingo hall.
Today, the Wind River Hotel and Casino is the premier gaming establishment in Wyoming. Located South of Riverton, Wind River is owned and
operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Featuring over 750 Vegas style
slot machines and 10 live table games, including roulette, Blackjack and
craps, Wind River is the largest gaming facility in Wyoming.
Gaming has become a source of revenue for the Northern Arapaho
Tribe and has provided employment opportunities for the communities.
Since 2008, the casinos and its properties have grown to employ over 700
individuals making it the largest employer in Fremont County. The
majority of its work force is female and members of the Northern Arapaho
Tribe. Check out our staff stories to learn more about our hardworking
employees that help make Wind River the success it is today.
What started as a small bingo hall twenty years ago has now
turned into a source of pride for the Northern Arapaho people. The Wind
River Hotel and Casino stands in the heart of Wyoming and is proud to be
a vital component of the state.
In addition to our exceptional care in Obstetrics and Gynecology
we now offer Family Medicine.
Same day appointments available. Accepting new patients.
Se habla espanol!
Schedule your appointment today, and let us take care of
your family's medical needs.
(307)-362-1861
3000 College Dr. and
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
ceo@rockspringschamber.com
Business Outlook
Number 5 l May, 2015 l Page 7
Together Everyone Accomplishes More
A dynamic half-day TEAMbuilding workshop!
Join us June 5th at 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the
Sweetwater Events Complex Small Hall for Team 2.0.
We are happy to have interpersonal communications
expert Bill Drury back in Sweetwater County. Bill will
teach us how to build teamwork and increase productivity, building trust with your co-workers, effective ways to
handle 21st Century team challenges and so much more.
From 1985 until 1990, Drury was the National Training
Consultant for the Zig Ziglar Corporation. He speaks,
trains, and travels extensively, and has proven to be one of the most effective and entertaining speakers in the
industry. This workshop will help your business go to the next level of teamwork and cooperation. The speaker,
Bill Drury has received rave reviews from over 400 of the Fortune 500 companies. Please contact Kayla
McDonald at 307-362-3771 to register your team today! Don't forget Workforce Training Grants are a great
source of funding to help cover the cost of training programs for your employees. If you are unfamiliar with
the Business Training Grants for Existing Positions, they can provide up to $2,000 per trainee per fiscal year
for established Wyoming businesses with existing employees who need a skill upgrade or need re-training in
their current occupations.
Summer is finally upon us
Summer is finally knocking on our door here in Southwest Wyoming and that
means it is time to get out an experience all that Sweetwater County has to offer! The Rock
Springs Chamber is your destination for information regarding the events, activities, and
everything else that you need to know about Sweetwater County! The new Sweetwater
County Travel Guide is new for 2015 and includes a FULL restaurant list on top of all the
great activities and day trips! The Rock Springs City Map has also arrived and includes
several new streets and subdivisions. These items, as well as, a few others will be delivered
to local businesses, so if you would like any materials please let the Chamber know at
362-3771.
Keep your eyes open for the new 2015 Rock Springs, WY sticker produced by the URA and
the Wyoming Office of Tourism
Tour 23 to stop in sweetwater county
Economic Development continues to thrive throughout
Wyoming and Sweetwater County. The Wyoming Business Alliance is
in full force starting its effort to discuss and document business
conditions and economic development strengths and needs throughout the state—will hold its Sweetwater County Session May 29 in
Rock Springs at the Holiday Inn. The public is invited to attend.
The program is a comprehensive effort involving the Wyoming
Business Council, state agencies, and business and government
associations. It consists of four-hour meetings in every Wyoming County between April 13 and June 25. Each
session will be moderated by Wyoming Business Alliance, with facilitation by President Bill Schilling and Vice
President Fred Catchpole. University of Wyoming Associate Dean of Outreach Anne Alexander will provide
local and state economic profiles at each stop. The meetings will follow an open forum concept. There will be
assigned seating for 23 local leaders in an open “U” setting, but additional open seating to allow for
participation from other Sweetwater County citizens who are welcome to attend.
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
ceo@rockspringschamber.com
www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
ROCK SPRINGS, WY
PERMIT NO. 16
P.O. Box 398
Rock Springs, WY 82902
Return Service Requested
Join the Rock Springs Chamber at our
Monthly Membership Connection Luncheon
at the ROCK SPRINGS HOLIDAY INN
(1675 Sunset Drive)
On Monday, May 11th, at 12pm
Please RSVP to the Chamber by email or phone,
362-3771
no later than
4:00pm on
Friday, May 8th,
2015.
Cost is $13
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
ceo@rockspringschamber.com
www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com