Statewide tax would benefit community collegesAfter three years and work by two formal study groups, Wyoming community colleges are no closer to statewide dedicated funding than they were before.The Wyoming Community College Task Force wrapped up its two-year work last week without deciding on a plan for colleges to raise money.In 2006, a blue-ribbon commission formed by Gov. Dave Freudenthal also ended its work examining community college issues without taking action on funding issues.

So the Northwest College Board of Trustees took some action on its own on Monday.

“You sit there in great anticipation with the expectation that they'll finally come up with a way to fund us. In the end, all we got was an apology. It wasn't a happy ending for me,” Northwest College Trustee Carolyn Danko said during the NWC board meeting on Monday.

NWC Board President Jim Vogt presented a draft resolution proposing a 1/4 of 1-percent sales tax on taxable goods and services, with that money going to help fund the colleges, and asking that the matter be put before the voters.

The state of Wyoming provides 60 percent of the revenue for community colleges. The other 40 percent comes from property tax levied in the seven counties where the colleges are based and tuition. However, the colleges each serve districts that include multiple counties that pay no taxes to support them. In all, 16 of Wyoming's 23 counties pay nothing to support the colleges that serve them.

“My contention is that it's time for somebody to come forward with something,” Vogt said. “Trustees are responsible to speak out for their colleges.

“This would be dedicated money to help in times like this. It would be $43 million more than we get now.”

The $43 million was the estimate given to the task force when it considered — and later tabled — the same proposal last year.

Vogt conceded that, under this year's economic realities, the amount raised by the tax likely would be smaller. But it still would help, he said.

Vogt said the tax would not pose a burden to state residents. He noted that last year, the median income in Wyoming was $52,000, meaning half of Wyoming households had more income, and half had less.

“If they spent all $52,000 on taxable goods and services, it would cost them $130 per year,” he said. Since rent, mortgage, groceries and many services are not subject to sales tax, the amount most residents actually would pay would be considerably less, he added.

Vogt asked the board to approve the resolution, which he then would forward to the other six college boards for their approval as well.

The board approved the resolution unanimously.

The Wyoming Association of College Trustees will meet the morning of Dec. 7, prior to an afternoon meeting of the Wyoming Community College Commission.

Vogt said he hopes to be able to forward the resolution to the commission for its action and approval.

Danko said she believes people would be supportive of the measure.

“I think people in the state are recognizing the value of community colleges,” she said. “I think if they can see this money going for good use, they would support it.”

Trustee Gloria Hedderman added, “Even if it didn't pass, it would raise awareness.”

Hedderman said she also would like to publicize statistics showing that 55 percent of Wyoming students who seek higher education in the state attend community colleges, while those same community colleges receive only 12 percent of state money allocated toward higher education.

Trustee John Housel agreed with the proposal as well.

“Non-district counties are not paying their share,” he said.

But Trustee Mark Westerhold expressed concern.

“I'm the last person who likes to see increased taxes,” he said. “If I were a citizen, and if it came up for a vote, I would not vote for it.

“I say they raise tuition at the University of Wyoming, then take some of the money they're always throwing at that and give it to us.”

Trustee Marty Coe said, “We're always asking people and the government to solve our problems. At least we are trying to solve our own problems.”