Post by Logan on Dec 14, 2016 23:51:43 GMT -6
With little ability to generate their own revenue, Wyoming cities fear loss of state funding
Wyoming’s unique tax structure means most government services have long been paid for by energy companies.
But since taxes on extractive industries go directly to the state government, local governments are heavily reliant on the Legislature to give them a piece of the pie.
Now cities and towns are looking to the Wyoming Legislature for more autonomy and taxation authority as they anticipate state money to dry up as severance taxes and mineral royalties flatline.
In the short term, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities is focused on securing the remaining $78 million already pledged by the state to local governments through next year during the upcoming legislative session in January.
Read more: trib.com/news/local/casper/with-little-ability-to-generate-their-own-revenue-wyoming-cities/article_dc3229d8-2445-556f-9e8f-0f11eaa31d12.html
Wyoming’s unique tax structure means most government services have long been paid for by energy companies.
But since taxes on extractive industries go directly to the state government, local governments are heavily reliant on the Legislature to give them a piece of the pie.
Now cities and towns are looking to the Wyoming Legislature for more autonomy and taxation authority as they anticipate state money to dry up as severance taxes and mineral royalties flatline.
In the short term, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities is focused on securing the remaining $78 million already pledged by the state to local governments through next year during the upcoming legislative session in January.
Read more: trib.com/news/local/casper/with-little-ability-to-generate-their-own-revenue-wyoming-cities/article_dc3229d8-2445-556f-9e8f-0f11eaa31d12.html