Letter To The Editor: The Optional 1% Sales Tax makes Campbell County great

This letter to the editor was posted in the Gillette News Record on June 23rd, 2026. You can read the original letter online HERE.

As a taxpayer and property owner here in Campbell County, I know that no one gets excited about paying taxes. However, I also believe that we get what we pay for. When we consider the upcoming ballot initiatives, it’s vital to look past the discomfort and focus on the essential services that keep our community safe, functional and growing.

This November, Wyoming voters will decide on a property tax exemption initiative that — while well-intentioned — could have significant long-term impacts on the funding of our schools, public safety, and local government operations. While property tax relief is a valid conversation, we must be careful that we don’t erode the very foundations of our local services in the process.

Locally, we are also facing a vote on the renewal of our Optional 1% Sales Tax. For nearly 50 years, “penny power” has been a lifeline for Campbell County. It’s not just a tax it’s an investment in our roads, our first responders and our schools.

This 1% tax provides essential support for our local nonprofits —organizations that are the backbone of our social safety net. From the Council of Community Services and the YES House to GARF, Gillette Reproductive Health and our Senior Center, these funds ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors are cared for and that Gillette remains a place where everyone can thrive.

When we vote “no” on the 1%, we’re not just saying no to taxes, we’re saying no to the infrastructure, growth, and community programs that make Campbell County a great place to live. If we want our police to be equipped, our roads to be maintained, and our community programs to remain operational, we must be willing to provide the necessary resources.

I am a taxpayer because I value the services these dollars provide. I urge my fellow residents to join me in voting “yes” to support the services and organizations that define our community’s strength.

Heidi Kennedy

Gillette

Voting is your super power. The Wyoming Primary Elections are on August 18th, 2026 and the General Elections are on November 3rd, 2026. Get out there and vote!