JACKSON, Wyo. — In a 3-to-2 vote on Monday, Town Council approved a plan to hold a special election this November in which residents would vote on a potential 2% lodging tax increase.
To place a county-wide lodging tax on the ballot, the action must be requested at the joint meeting with the Teton County Board of County Commissioners on July 7. The addition of 2 pennies per dollar on Teton County’s lodging tax would then be decided via community vote, per staff notes.
Mayor Arne Jorgensen told Buckrail that Town Council and the BCC “cannot raise either lodging or sales tax.” Instead, changes in Town or County revenue must be placed on the ballot.
“I am pleased to be able to give our community a chance to support a visitor fee focused on the management and education of our visitors through such programs as Friends of the Bridger-Teton Ambassadors and Selfie Control campaign,” Jorgensen said.
Town staff reported that 1 cent of additional lodging tax, based upon the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget, would generate approximately $950,000 for the Town. Staff wrote that the revenue would be spent as follows: 30% for visitor impact, 10% to the Town general fund and the remaining 60% would be provided directly to the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board (JHTTB) for promotional purposes.
During the FY2026 budget review, Town Council discussed all additional sources of revenue available to the Town, including increasing/decreasing expenditures, the use of the general fund to balance the budget, setting the general fund reserve and increasing/decreasing staffing.
According to Teton County, the State of Wyoming currently collects a 5% lodging tax on every visitor’s hotel, motel and rental property stay. The lodging tax revenue is distributed to the Wyoming Office of Tourism (3%) and Teton County (2%). In Teton County, 60% of these local funds are managed by the JHTTB for destination marketing, tourist education, events and other tourism-related initiatives as outlined in the Wyoming State Statute. The balance (40%) is managed by the Town of Jackson and Teton County, primarily to mitigate the impacts of tourism on infrastructure and services.
Councilwoman Alyson Spery told Buckrail that she approached the FY2026 budget process with an open mind.
“I was convinced that this possible revenue stream was something worth considering,” Spery said. “Ultimately, it’s up to the voters to decide.”
In order to have a special election on November 4, the Town is required to notify the Teton County Clerk by July 17. Town staff noted that the County Clerk has the power to turn down a request for a special election.
