Jackson budget strategy would aim for new sales tax penny on 2028 ballot
Jackson Town Council is set to review a budget strategy that calls for a November 2028 vote on adding a general penny of sales tax, framed as the revenue tool meant to keep expense growth in line with revenues.
Jackson Town Council is set to consider a multi-year budget strategy that sets a long-range revenue target: putting a “general penny” of sales tax before voters in November 2028, with the document arguing the added penny “will balance expense and revenue growth” and better capture visitor spending than property tax agenda packet. The strategy says the Town should start post-election talks with Teton County after November 2026 to decide what the ballot measure should look like (countywide vs. town-only, general vs. specific purpose, and how it fits with specific purpose excise tax timing), and it calls for public outreach about the need for the tax by November 2027 at the latest.
The record shows the Council has been workshopping the same 2028 “general penny” concept for months. A February 2026 strategic budgeting workshop agenda included a step to “Affirm November 2028 General Penny Framing,” with staff asking Council to work through questions and exercises rather than making a recommendation at that stage workshop packet.
Background
Teton County plans a 2028 vote on a General Penny of Sales Tax, projected to raise $13.5M by FY2030, to close a structural deficit and sustain core services, with much of the revenue coming from tourists.
Latest: 2030 — Projected annual revenue from the General Penny reaches $13.5 million, with an estimated $560,000 annual growth.
curated as of 2026-10-23
Jackson's FY27-FY32 Budget Strategy and Resolution #26-23 set a long-term fiscal framework focused on stability, transparency, and maximizing community return, with a multi-year public process and Council approval on October 27, 2026.
Latest: 2026-10-27 — Special Council meeting for final consideration and adoption of FY27-FY32 Budget Strategy and Resolution #26-23 (Step 4).
curated as of 2026-10-23
Teton County's strategic budgeting initiative addresses rising expenses outpacing revenues by prioritizing fiscal stability, service maintenance, and new revenue strategies.
Latest: 2028-11 — Targeted date for a general penny sales tax to further stabilize county revenues.
curated as of 2026-10-23
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| October 27, 2026 | Special Town Council Meeting Agenda Packet | packet |
| February 19, 2026 | Special Town Council Workshop Agenda Packet | packet |