Welcome to RE-Take, KHOL’s newest show that takes another look at local news with a dose of fresh music.
For the first time, town elected officials recently proposed bundling the $77 million worth of SPET ballot items. They include wildlife crossings, (which has drawn no shortage of public support), along with less sexy infrastructure initiatives, and affordable housing. During the 2017 SPET election, key transportation and housing projects did not draw enough public support. This year, town officials argued that bundling the items into one “yes/no” ballot item would ensure critical measures were funded. But county officials worried about the public’s appetite for such a change. Ultimately, the measure was voted down.
Refresher: SPET is the sixth cent of sales tax already tacked on to local goods and services. In the past, it has been used to fund various infrastructure, transportation and housing projects.
Jackson Town Councilman Arne Jorgensen was one of two council members that voted in favor of the bundle approach. Teton County Commissioner Natalia Macker rejected it. So we brought them both into the studio to discuss.
