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¼ - cent Sales Tax Builds Jobs. ¢. Approve an optional quarter-cent sales tax for economic development at the general election in November 2010. REQUEST. Economic Development Sales Tax. ¢. History.
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¼ - cent Sales Tax Builds Jobs
¢ Approve an optional quarter-cent sales tax for economic development at the general election in November 2010 REQUEST Economic Development Sales Tax
¢ History 2006 Goshen County adopted an optional sales tax for economic development for a two-year period Leveraged local sales tax funds 7:1 Allowed Goshen County to be competitive with larger communities when contending for the UW – GE Energy Coal Research Center
¢ Fundamentals of Economic Development Encourage job growth 6.4% unemployment rate in Goshen County – the highest in 12 years Success of existing businesses is top priority for GCEDC
¢ Goshen County Economic Development Corp. Accountability Is a nonprofit organization created in 1987 to create jobs, encourage business growth, and build on local community assets Keeps a separate accounting of all sales tax funds Enjoys strong support from local business and industry, city and county government and the citizens of Goshen County
¢ Goshen County Economic Development Corp. A Proven Track Record Instrumental in developing and obtaining financing for Goshen County fairgrounds Creating a community-owned cooperative, Our Clothing Store Supporting the development of Heartland BioComposites, which operates today as Natures Composites Recruiting the Wyoming Medium Correctional Facility Obtaining financing for the Alzheimer’s Unit Assisting in obtaining grant funding for the new Lincoln Center Founding the Goshen County 2-Shot Goose Hunt
Business Development Customized Proposals • Blue Sun Biodiesel • GE Energy/UW USE: engineering, survey, research, etc.
Business Development UW-GE • Companies looking for site served by public water and wastewater • Shovel-ready • Highway access • Room for expansion Lessons Learned ACTION: Develop Cold Springs Business Park
Business Development Cold Springs Business Park • 66 acres – located on Highway 85 • 19 lots • Goal is to add 200 jobs in the next 20 years • Tax benefits = $7.5 million • First tenant – Schlagel Mfg.
Business Development Schlagel Manufacturing Leveraged $3,000,000 • A Wyoming Corporation in its 15th year • Designs and manufacturers agricultural farm equipment, metal art, and pickup accessories • Has outgrown its current facilities • Will increase from 22 to 36 jobs
Community Development LaGrange Heritage Square Leveraged $1,355,944 Before • A community, cultural and business center • 4 suites available for lease on second floor • Community library • Computer lab • Museum • Break/conference room • Fitness center After
Community Development Hawk Springs Community Building Leveraged $300,000 • Historic preservation • Community gathering place
Community Development Goshen County Housing Study • Assessment included: • Demographic trends • Housing stock challenges • Homeownership options • Rental housing availability • Elderly population trends • Special needs households • Race, ethnicity, and housing • Economic impact analysis of opening of WMCI • Goshen County Housing Survey • Scottsbluff/Gering housing market Helping Goshen County establish housing and funding priorities. • Purpose: to assess the gap between the existing housing supply and the number of housing units needed
Community Development Grantsand Matching Funds • Fort Laramie Rendezvous • Town of LaGrange • Hawk Springs Community Building Association • Torrington Retail Merchants Association • Oregon Trail Historic By-way • Platte Valley Young Professionals Network
¢ Conclusion Without economic development sales tax, Goshen County has very limited resources to stimulate the economy Optional sales tax is necessary for economic development to initiate business development and community enhancement projects for a greater impact in all communities