JACKSON, Wyo. — In an unanimous vote on Monday, July 7, Town Council rescinded its previous decision to hold a special election this November to determine a potential 2% lodging tax increase.
Town Council members agreed to change their vote taken on June 16, to allow community members more time to consider the proposed tax increase. Mayor Arne Jorgensen told Buckrail that it can be a long process when advocating for community engagement, prior to voting at the polls.
“I will continue to push for this to be on ballot next year, so we have enough time to communicate it to the public,” Jorgensen said.
On July 1, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) also voted against placing a county-wide lodging tax increase on the November ballot. The BCC decided to continue its lodging tax discussion during a Joint Meeting in the near future; the date is yet to be determined.
Jorgensen said that he is open to holding the special election in April or May of 2026, to allow for “more runway time” to educate people. He said that Town Council also needs time to discuss the proposed election with the BCC; Teton County needs to be notified 110 days prior to any election.
According to Jorgensen, the state statute requires special elections to be held on the first Tuesday in April, May or November. Holding a special election in April or May, instead of during the general election in November 2026, would generate additional revenue for the Town of Jackson because the lodging tax increase could be potentially collected six months after the election, Jorgensen said.
During the Town Council meeting, Councilor Jonathan Schechter said that he originally made the motion to hold a special election because it is an “important part of the public process.” He agreed, though, that a public election in November 2025 was too soon.
“We haven’t had a formal vote,” Schechter said. “I thought the vote would be clarifying for the public at large.”
Councilwoman Alyson Spery stressed the importance of listening to Jackson’s residents.
“I haven’t heard many opinions on whether we are better off by increasing the lodging tax,” Spery said. “One thing I’ve clearly heard from constituents is that people don’t want to incur this cost.”
Councilor Kevin Regan said that a lodging tax could help care for the “golden goose” — the natural wilderness surrounding Jackson Hole.
“I want voters to have an opportunity to make a decision,” Regan said. “We have a complex relationship with lodging revenue. I see how expensive it is to live here. I’m not in favor of property tax. The lodging tax is a chance for visitors to help carry water. I would like to see us walk down the path with them. We can use the lodging tax to help care for the environment.”
Jorgensen said that the additional revenue could assist with the Town’s budget challenges.
“This revenue is important,” Jorgensen said. “I feel strongly about this and I approved the motion two weeks ago to allow this discussion to get to another stage. I am suggesting that we put the lodging tax on the August agenda.”
Town staff noted that under the law, the County Clerk can say “no” to a Town request for a Special Election.
