How the fifth-penny tax has been utilized in Laramie County

The fifth-penny tax will be on the Nov. 4 ballot. Debates continue whether it’s necessary or essential.

The tax, also known as the One Percent General Purpose Optional Sales Tax, was approved in 1978. It has continued every four years by voter’s approval. It’s been a key source of income for local governments that include Pine Bluffs, Burns, Albin, Cheyenne and Laramie County, and is divided based on population.

The money is distributed as follows:

69 percent, public works

10 percent, library materials

6.5 percent, health and welfare

2.5 percent, public safety

2.5 percent, fire protec...