The 1/2-cent sales tax...along with the 1-cent...are back on November's ballot, and have been plugged all over the county by the Forward Fremont County PAC. A recent poll was conducted by the Fremont County Association of Governments (FCAG) via County 10, with the results representing a slice of 677 people out of Fremont County's [approx.] 18K voting population.
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Poll results provided by Tim Nicols, WRTA/FCAG Administrator.
Forward Fremont County defines economic development as "a cultivation of activities that create a net gain of money into the community."
Wikipedia defines it (along with social development) as "the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a nation, region, local community or an individual are improved according to targeted goals and objectives."
There are several "building blocks" that define the City of Riverton's Strategic Plan for Economic Development, namely: New Business Recruitment, Existing Business Development, Entrepreneur Development, Quality of Life, Workforce Development, Infrastructure Development, and Leadership and Public Policy. I don't know what CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) went into the formation of these building blocks for the entirety of the City's strategic plan, but it does list "Economic Development" among six areas of focus, including Land Use, Transportation, Parks & Recreation, Community Development & Design, and Tribal Partnering Opportunities.
Economic Development...or Infrastructure?
I recently attended a roundtable-style meeting where the 1/2 cent sales tax was the subject matter...more specifically, the county's EMS services. Fremont County went towards the privatization of ambulance services in 2016 with Guardian/AMR/GMR, and then Frontier Ambulance took over on July 1, 2021, when AMR's contract with the county ended. Frontier is a part of Priority Ambulance, with its corporate offices located in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Several Fremont County veteran EMTs were in the group, reminiscing about when FCEMS was a volunteer service, which, of course, is now a thing of the past. When I was with Guardian/GMR, most of the EMTs were local and/or lived locally. However, when Frontier came in, many providers moved out of county or out of state or didn't renew their certifications. Why? Better jobs and/or better pay elsewhere. Plus, it takes a special understanding of the type of emergency medicine that's required here in Fremont County/Wind River Indian Reservation...an understanding that Priority certainly did not have when they came into the game.
What do EMS services require? It requires well-trained, well-compensated, quality BLS and ALS providers who know about Fremont County's rural EMS. It requires effective dispatch communications and communications between units, facilities, and municipalities. It requires effective and efficient station operations, regular vehicle maintenance, and safety inspections (my mantra was "safety of the patients and the crew."). It requires current certifications, training, policies, protocols, and procedures. It requires streets, roads, and highways to be maintained and repaired during the summer, and consistently clear during the winter months. It requires healthcare facilities to transport the patients to and from...and requires a whole lotta fuel! Most of all, it requires all agencies to work together...fire, police, sheriff, BIA, WHP, FBI, etc.
We're all connected! I've always said that if you want to know the real truth about a community, ask a first responder.
The Disconnect?
At their July meeting, FCAG put a hold on approving the MOU which would include the verbiage for EMS in the 1/2 cent. Though it was agreed that EMS is important and in desperate need of funding, FCAG Chair Mayor Joel Highsmith has consistently said that there hasn't been a whole lot of love for Shoshoni when it comes to ambulance services, which is why they were eventually able to fund their own unit.
But consider this...would it be fair for just EMS to be funded under the 1/2 cent sales tax, while fire departments and law enforcement agencies are not? Wyoming defines EMS as a "non-essential service" so this also begs the question: How do other counties fund their ambulance service, given that volunteerism is becoming a thing of the past, with very few upcoming generations that would (or even could) fill some very large boots?
That said...is EMS considered a part of Infrastructure or Economic Development? Despite the state's definition, EMS is a critical, essential part of a community's [health system] infrastructure, and should be by all definitions! So shouldn't it be a part of the 1-cent sales tax? Or couldn't another 1- or 1/2-cent sales tax be put on the ballot that specifically funds the ambulance service? Why lump EMS services in with the 1/2 cent sales tax?
Oh...I see what they did there! To ensure that the 1/2 cent would pass, they want to make EMS a part of "economic development" so it would get a piece of that pie. But is Priority Ambulance based in Fremont County? No. I seem to remember a town hall where there was an issue about public funds leaving Wyoming through outside investment firms, or outside interests purchasing U.S. property. How is that connected with this? Some might argue it's apples to oranges, but it seems to me that there's some sort of disconnect when you have a Tennessee company benefiting from and running a critical service in Wyoming with no understanding or interest in the community except when corporate comes to town as some sort of vacation and writes it all off as a business expense. In my opinion, the best thing that's happened for EMS since Frontier took over has been the EMS providers taking matters into their own hands and forming a union.
You see, I tend to gravitate towards two things when it comes to politics and election years: 1) Follow the money, and 2) who is in control?
Who really benefits from these sales tax funds?
(More reading:)
Wyoming Tribune Eagle: Wyoming's Emergency Medical Services 'in limbo'
EMS Week: The History and Funding of EMS
National Library of Medicine: EMS Federal Regulations
Who Decides? Not you.
Back in March, I covered a tax forum for County 10 that was put on by the Fremont County Republican Central Committee. As there was clear support for the one-cent, it was slightly more ambiguous regarding the 1/2 cent.
"Unlike an infrastructure tax that benefits everybody...this takes one business and disadvantages it with respect to another, and then calls it a good thing...I adamantly think we need to rethink how this is done. This is just wrong. These taxes are particularly regressive...a lot of property owners don't like to hear that word...but if you're poor, and you don't own property, you're a renter, and these taxes hit you harder than people who have more income and don't spend as much on consumables." - Senator Cale Case
Mayor Tim Hancock even said that the definition of economic development was a part of the problem and that it was a "vague concept". Again, going back to what I was saying about defining "economic development"...it's all connected. You have to have balance; you need to weigh the pros and cons...see the elephant from all sides before making a decision that might financially benefit (or impact) a community.
Last year, some Riverton citizens saw a need to help Fremont County's local law enforcement agencies and created the Fremont County Law Enforcement Foundation (fclef.org). They got their 501c3 within a couple of months (not years) and had their first major fundraiser on May 5. The LOR Foundation has been doing right by Lander, instrumental in facilitating many fundraisers and community projects that benefit their town. Shoshoni sure has made some good improvements over the past few years. The National Museum of Military Vehicles has been a controversial asset in Dubois, as you have some who are happy about the tourism dollars, but on the flip side, many are concerned because they don't want their little mountain community to lose its charm and beauty, and end up looking like Jackson.
Tourism and creating jobs are both a part of economic development, but that is just it...they are only a part of it! Even if an employer or entrepreneur claims his or her project will create jobs, yet doesn't offer living wages...or if there are no local affordable housing options, or if a city's community safety is being compromised...exactly how does that improve economic health and a sustainable future?
Some voters may not particularly care about studies, polls, or stats. Some don't want more taxes no matter what the form, period. Some are all for the tax, bring it! But in the marketing of this 1/2 cent sales tax, the public also needs to consider that there may be some "buyer's remorse" when it comes to the fund's disbursement process. Because who really benefits from it?
Consumers are the ones paying the tax...shouldn't it be the consumers who decide?
You see, voters of the 1/2 cent don't decide what businesses get funded or rejected. The first layer is a committee that gives recommendations to...you guessed it, the City Councils. For Riverton, it's the EDGE committee that decides. For Lander, it's LIFT. For the County, it's MOVE. For Dubois, Hudson, Pavillion, and Shoshoni, it is left up to their respective councils. (Visit: https://www.forwardfremontcounty.org/about)
But if everyone is paying into this tax, shouldn't it be the voters who decide who gets the funding? Additionally, there are a considerable amount of tribal members who spend their money within Riverton's city limits. Shouldn't they have a voice, too? Wouldn't that be a 'Tribal Partnering Opportunity'?
It's not personal, it's business...
I was recently denied EDGE funding for GoRiverton (actually, I've been denied twice). EDGE's criteria is mainly about job and workforce generation, and/or tools and equipment that would aid in the products and services their businesses entail. Unlike others, I wasn't asking for thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. I asked for a little over $1K for stickers and postcards...marketing tools that I believed would elevate Riverton to the next level in networking and connecting our businesses and community. All I had to do was prove how good it was for Riverton's economic development. How does it create jobs, how it would increase employment and a net gain of money into the community, how it would benefit the community beyond the proposed economic development...how the project complies with the City's strategic plan for economic development. You can see the questions on the application itself at: https://www.rivertonwy.gov/news_detail_T2_R436.php.
First, you must apply before the deadline (they give you a month)...then you go before a committee of seven members who will decide the fate of your project (some apparently don't even have to be present when it's decided, even though there are supposed to be alternates sitting in for them). Those who sit on the EDGE Committee aren't voted in; the city puts out an application and those interested apply for a seat. Some may be good business owners of integrity and good character...or maybe they're not. How would you know? Some might truly want to make a difference...or maybe not. How would you know? Some might think your project has merit; some might not...or heck, maybe they simply don't like you (you know how small-town gossip works). How would you know?
Even if your project meets most or all of the elements of economic development as defined by the City's very strategic plan, you can still be rejected before it even makes it to the city council...and even then, they can put them all on the chopping block! When the EDGE committee rejected my project for goRiverton, they said, "But we don't want to minimize everything you do for the community."
(Well, you just kinda did.)
So readers, let me step you through a little 'shameless self-promotion' as to what I believe GoRiverton does for Riverton's economic development using the City's economic building blocks, instead of the EDGE committee's application:
Tourism. Goes without saying, but goRiverton helps guests, visitors and tourists with what is going on as far as local events and activities. If funding for the stickers and postcards I've asked for were posted in the hotels, cafes, coffee houses, restaurants, the airport, etc...all our out-of-towners would have to do is click on the QR code with their phones, and voila! Everything 'Riverton, Wyoming' is now right in their hands.
Existing business development. I'm self-employed, but there are a whole lot of self-employed folks like me who work their asses off every day to contribute to city/county economies. I share posts daily (often hourly) to support our local businesses, big or small...even including the City's posts! I also offer effective, affordable advertising/promo that doesn't bust even the most frugal budget.
Workforce Development. Besides the self-employed, those seeking employees need their jobs shared through main job circuits and social media. I've shared quite a few "help wanted" and "now hiring" posts and occasionally share County 10's jobs link, but to tell the truth...most of the time, job seekers use Indeed or HireWyo (local workforce center located at 422 E. Fremont Ave.). What Riverton really needs is a temp agency.
Infrastructure Development. That's for the 1% sales tax.
Quality of Life. My goal is to make GoRiverton and RivertonConnected a "one-stop" hub and resource for the community, so folks don't have to go searching around and "Googling" everything...and don't even get me started on the amount of Facebook pages/groups in just Riverton alone! Community groups, services, programs, calendars...as said in the mission statement, "...a network of support and opportunities that enrich the lives of all who call Riverton home."
Am I just a sore loser? No, I wouldn't say that at all. I have many in this community who do support me and believe in what I do, so I will continue to push forward with goRiverton, networking Riverton's businesses and community groups, because I still believe it's what Riverton needs. Sometimes it's like herding cats to get our resources and assets all together into one place (see what I did there? LOL)...but I believe that everyone deserves a chance at life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in their individual lives, their businesses, and their community. That's why goRiverton is inclusive. Not a membership, not controlled by a few stakeholders in the upper echelons of exclusive social circles. GoRiverton is for everyone.
But now I know just how my hometown works...because that's the way "the system" works.😉
Perhaps the better fit for GoRiverton would be some TAD funding. Then again, who ultimately allocates those funds? The City. Even after their financial debacle this year, the Riverton Chamber still received $35K in TAD funding. Apparently, they can overdraw a bank account, fire the whistleblower, bat some eyelashes, and still get funded. Wow, tell me how that works (and I have pretty nice eyelashes, too)! Then again, this is a town that also allows businesses like the Roomers Motel to keep their doors open, regardless of the amount of crime that happens there...or just lets the weeds grow out of control everywhere. Maybe the City's Community Development and Planning Commission is going for the old West, ghost town tumbleweed look?
And believe me, I do want to shop local and support our local producers and businesses...but I also don't want to be paying $30 versus the $6-7 chicken I can get at Smith's. Or pay what works out to be almost $70/lb for bulk ground pepper! Heck, about five years ago I bought a bag of tri-color peppercorns at an international grocery store down in Utah for about $4, and I'm nowhere near running out.
And as far as the airport goes, most folks I've spoken with on the subject won't fly out of Riverton because it's too expensive--they'd rather road trip it, and/or fly out of Casper, Denver, or SLC airports...or meet via Zoom/Google Meet. Hey, I get it...there are Riverton businesses associated with out-of-state corporations (like our ambulance service) and need to fly into Riverton from time to time. But those individuals and companies can afford it! So basically, the airport's slice caters to the comforts and conveniences of the few who might not even reside in Riverton? Is the airport more important than community safety?
I really believe that Fremont County needs to go back to the drawing board and yes, admit and address the mistakes they made when they turned to privatization of EMS, and really do some soul-searching about what economic development in the middle of rural Wyoming actually means. Give EMS and fire their own 1/2 or 1-cent! Don't share it with the airport, transportation, or price-gouging businesses that may not even be in business in the next four years. EMS needs its very own funding...not as an afterthought, or used as a strategy to push through a political agenda slickly defined and marketed as "economic development".
It starts with like-minded people with a vision for their lives, liberties, and pursuits of happiness without the political narratives, conditions, and bottlenecks. The Fremont County Law Enforcement Foundation did it, starting with a budget of zero. They saw a critical need, formed a great team, created a 501c3, went to their community, and together as a community (not just a select few) made something wonderful happen.
We all have our own gerbil wheels, but realistically we have all been on the same economic rollercoaster rides for generations of election years. The ambiguousness and mingling of the public and private sectors at any government level can be confusing and a downright concern for voters. We need good, wise, trustworthy leaders at the helm who have the interests of their entire communities at heart...not posers who cater to a choice few, or create/market their narratives filled with ulterior motives.
"Thunder is good, thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work." - Mark Twain.
Most of all, we need YOU! We need more strong businesses and organizations (with best practices, please) that invest in the sustainability of Riverton, no matter what the economic climate is. We need people to keep the individuals who are in decision-making positions accountable for how funds are distributed. We need solutions--not bandaids on gaping wounds--that will truly help the future of all our Wyoming communities not just survive, but thrive in this beautiful state we call home.
Carol Harper
Riverton Soapbox
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Copyright © 2024 Carol Harper. Email: goriverton@gmail.com
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