Let’s talk about the Economy & Taxes

This is mid-February as I write this—I am only looking at Facts & Statistics. This is me personally; I am not writing this representing any party or PAC.

I have been a tax-paying individual and business owner for over 56 years. My parents were staunch Democrats until 2016, when they switched parties.

So where is the country financially? As of February 2026, according to USDebtClock.org, as a country, we are rapidly approaching $39 Trillion in Debt. That equates to over $112,800 per citizen or $355,350 per taxpayer. I personally do not think this level of debt is sustainable for much longer. Something has to give!!

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is hovering around 50,000. Gold is over $5,000 per ounce, and Silver is over $80 per ounce! We keep hitting new all-time highs.

They say Inflation is currently 2.4% for the past 12 months—BS! The cost of goods and services continues to grow. Just look at the cost of going to the grocery store. It feels much higher than that!!

Let’s look closer home—Wyoming. Overall, the state is in good financial shape with approximately $34.6 Billion and grew last year by $700M, plus interest earned on the fund was over $1.86B, for a total growth of $2.56B.

Let’s talk about getting closer to home, Albany County. According to Google in 2014 its population was 37,702, in 2024 39,388 which equates to a growth of 1,586 in 10 years with a median household income of $59,881.

Let’s look at Laramie. 2014 population 31.918, 2024 32,957 for a 10-year growth of 979 and a median household income of $52.414.

In 2025 Laramie Median Home price was down 5.6% to $380,000.

That makes it very difficult for a median household income of $60K to qualify for $380,000 mortgage and feed a family.

Problem: Slow population growth, slow job growth, high housing costs, lack of a business-friendly environment. This is a direct result of City Building Codes and Regulations and the wrong vision for the future of Laramie. Laramie is not growing it is slowly dying!!

Let’s talk about property taxes. Here are my personal numbers, in 2020 my residential property taxes were approximately $3,400 in 2025 they rose to $5,000. That is a 47% increase in 4 years, or over 10% per year increase. However, with the new property tax regulations it was reduced back to $3,400 in 2025.

If you had the opportunity to attend the Commissioners’ or City Council meetings you would have heard everyone complaining about the loss of revenue. I agree, Albany County may be hit more than other counties around the state. However, as I sat through the budget meetings and listened to where/how funds are being allocated and how much, it’s not an income problem, it’s a priority spending problem.

I have been a Financial Consultant for over 42 years, and I believe in having a healthy cash reserve account but how much is enough? Many Wyoming taxpayers would prefer to have more in their bank account and less in the state’s.

Let’s take a look at the proposed Special Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) that we have the opportunity to vote on May 5, 2026.

Albany County, the City of Laramie, and Town of Rock River are asking for voters to approve funding of $95,000,000 in spending for the following projects:

Albany County

$43,583,063

A.   $39,583,063 Albany County Servies Building and remodeling of the Albany County Court House.

B.   $4,186,187 Albany County Fairgrounds Grandstand Facilities

C.  $4,000,000 Laramie Regional Airport Maintenance and Expansion.

City of Laramie

$45,555,750

A.   $12,000,000 Laramie Police Department Headquarters and Equipment.

B.   $3,600,000 Laramie Animal Shelter

C.  $8.400,000Laramie Fire Department Station 1

D.  $4,000,000 Surface Water Drainage Projects

E.   $1,055,750 Sidewalk Improvements

F.    $2,000,000 Laramie Community Recreation Center

G.  $5,500,000 Bill Nye between 3^rd and 15^th Streets

H.  $7,000,000 Major Street Projects

I.      $2,000,000 Pave Harrison Street between Adams Street and Colorado Avenue.

Town of Rock River

$1,675,000

A.   $175,000 Purchase a Hydro Vac Trailer

B.   $200,000 Solar Array for Towns Water Treatment Plant

C.  $350,000 Supervisory Control and Data System of Water Treatment Plant.

D.  $300,000 Replace Towns main sewer line.

E.   $300,000 Upgrade and Improve Street Lighting

F.    $150.000 Replace and Update Playground Equipment

G.  $200,000 Upgrade Town Hall Heating System

It’s your decision, you can’t pick and choose, it’s either all or none.

Ask yourself, do we really need these projects now?

Is it prudent for Albany County Government to go into debt for $95,000,000?

Would it be prudent to delay these projects a year or so?

It’s your call on May 5!!

Please Vote!!