Lunch with the Pine Bluffs Senior Center Attendees

I enjoyed spending lunchtime at the Pine Bluffs Senior Center today, talking with residents about the Sixth Penny Specific Purpose Tax on the August 18 ballot.

I was joined by Pine Bluffs Councilwoman Allie Leitza and Antonia Gaona, executive director and county librarian for the Laramie County Library System.

Together, we walked through the 14 separate ballot propositions, highlighting the projects that would directly benefit Pine Bluffs and eastern Laramie County. On the ballot for Pine Bluffs are a fire station, a police vehicle, electrical utility upgrades, and several road improvements.

We also discussed how the temporary, voter-approved one percent tax would work. Each proposition stands on its own, allowing voters to support or oppose each individually. The Wyoming Department of Revenue collects the tax, which is then distributed by the Laramie County Treasurer. Typically, the tax is collected for about five years, ending automatically once the approved amounts are reached.

Allie shared the Town’s perspective on the proposed Pine Bluffs projects, while Antonia addressed the propositions impacting the county library system and the Pine Bluffs branch. I shared county-produced handouts with online resources so everyone could continue reviewing the information on their own.

There were many thoughtful, direct questions from the group, which sparked a lively and informative discussion. That’s how the process should work—voters getting the facts, asking questions, and making informed decisions.

Thank you to everyone and to the staff for making us feel so welcome. It was a truly enjoyable afternoon in Pine Bluffs.