Election Information
With 2 propositions for our library’s future
Two measures on the November 3 General Election ballot could affect funding for Laramie County Library System; Proposition 1 and the Laramie County 1% Sales and Use Tax, commonly known as the 5th Penny.
The measures involve different funding sources and would affect LCLS in different ways. The information below explains what each measure could change, how the related funding supports LCLS and what those changes could mean for library services and community access.
Understanding Proposition 1
Proposition 1 would decrease state revenue used for funding public services by $125 million annually. This funding supports schools, fire districts, emergency services, weed and pest control, community colleges, public libraries, and other local entities. There is no plan in place for additional funding mechanisms to replace these community funds.
This loss in public funds would stem from a 50% property tax exemption for qualified primary residences established by Proposition 1.
What Would Proposition 1 Mean for LCLS?
Funding from property tax revenue is an important source of ongoing funding for Laramie County Library System. It supports the people, resources, technology, facilities, and day-to-day operations that make library service possible.
Proposition 1 would create an additional reduction.
If Proposition 1 passes, LCLS projects approximately $475,000 less in annual operating revenue. Based on current projections, the library estimates that addressing this additional reduction would require eliminating approximately 10 positions and the expenses associated with those positions.
The combined FY28 impact could be larger.
As LCLS continues to monitor property tax collections and incoming revenue, the overall FY28 budget challenge could reach approximately $900,000 when the existing revenue reductions and projected Proposition 1 impact are considered together.
If property tax collections continue to decline, the total workforce reduction necessary to balance the FY28 budget could reach up to 20 positions, nearly one-quarter of the LCLS workforce.
Specific staffing and service changes have not been decided.
LCLS is already managing a property tax revenue reduction.
Due to previous property tax changes and a decrease in other County income, the final mill levy distribution for FY26 came in approximately $425,000 lower than anticipated. To balance the FY27 budget, LCLS found operational efficiencies, reduced expenses wherever possible, and budgeted $241,000 from its emergency reserve fund. These measures allowed the library to balance the budget without eliminating existing staff positions.
What Would that Mean for the Community?
A reduction in library staffing is also a reduction in the library’s capacity to provide service.
LCLS employees keep library locations open, help patrons find information and use technology, provide programs and events, maintain collections and public spaces, support library systems and digital resources, and make library services available through Laramie County.
Reducing the LCLS workforce by approximately one quarter would mean reductions in the amount of service the library can provide. The could affect areas such as:
- Hours of operation
- Programs, classes, and events
- Access to public spaces such as meeting and study rooms
- Outreach and other library services
Specific service changes have not been decided. LCLS has not determined which positions would be affected or exactly how resulting operational changes would be distributed among hours, programs, events, spaces, locations, or other services.
What LCLS does know is that a workforce reduction of this size would mean less capacity to provide the level of library access and service the community has today and has told us they want.
Get Information About Proposition 1
Proposition 1 would affect property tax revenue across Wyoming, including funding received by local public entities such as LCLS.
Understanding the measure means understanding both what the exemption would provide for qualifying homeowners and what the resulting reduction in property tax revenue would mean for the public services that rely on that funding.
Understanding the Laramie County 1% Sales & Use Tax or 5th Penny
The 5th Penny is Laramie County’s 1% General Purpose Excise Tax. First approved by Laramie County voters in 1977, the current tax expires on December 31, 2026. Voters will decide in the November 3 General Election whether to renew it.
The 5th Penny provides general operating revenue for services throughout Laramie County.
How is this different from the 6th Penny?
While both are 1% sales and use taxes, they fund different things.
The 6th Penny Specific Purpose Optional Tax (SPOT) funds specific projects approved by voters. The 6th Penny funding approved in August is designated for one-time capital improvement projects at library facilities, including infrastructure repair and maintenance as well as community-requested improvements. Those funds can only be used for the purposes approved by voters.
The 5th Penny, by comparison, supports ongoing operations and services rather than designated on-time capital projects.
What Does the 5th Penny Fund?
5th Penny collections support services and operations throughout Laramie County, including Public Works, the Sheriff’s Office, fire district equipment, health and welfare organizations, recreation, conservation and development organizations, general government, and Laramie County Library System.
LCLS receives 10% of 5th Penny collections.
What the 5th Penny Means for Your Library
The 5th Penny is an essential source of funding for Laramie County Library System. Although the amount fluctuates from year to year, LCLS receives approximately $1.4 million annually in 5th Penny funding to support patron-centered services, resources, and the infrastructure needed to provide them.
That funding provides:
- Print and digital collections in all formats
- Access to statewide databases and interlibrary loan
- The system used to manage patron accounts and library materials
- Public computers
- Internet access
Some of these resources are easy to see, like a book on the shelf or a computer available for public use. Others work behind the scenes.
When you check out a book, place a hold, download an audiobook, search for an item, access a statewide database, request a book from another library, use a public computer, or connect to library internet, you are using resources and systems supported by 5th Penny funding.
Together, they provide much of the essential infrastructure that connects our community to information, technology, and resources of all kinds.