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Where the money goes

Safe. Strong.
Vibrant.

The 5th Penny (1% General Purpose Excise Tax) shows up in everyday life across Albany County in three ways — the services that keep it safe, the infrastructure that keeps it running, and the programs that improve Albany County's quality of life.

Pillar #1

Safe

Public safety, funded every day.

The 5th Penny (1% General Purpose Excise Tax) supports personnel and equipment in the operations residents count on when seconds matter — police, fire, and emergency medical services.

  • Police officers/Sheriff deputies and patrol operations
  • Firefighter / EMT and paramedic staffing
  • Ambulance services and fire response equipment
  • County Attorney & Coroner offices
Laramie police or patrol operations
Albany County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle in winterFire or ambulance equipment
Pillar #2

Strong

The infrastructure beneath everyday life.

5th Penny revenue keeps both city and county streets, public facilities, and other infrastructure systems functioning.

  • Streets, alleys, and road materials
  • Rock River town hall and water/sewer operations
  • Election laptops and administrative operations
Street or road maintenance in Albany County
Water or storm sewer infrastructureRock River town hall or public facility
Pillar #3

Vibrant

The programs that make Laramie, Laradise.

From parks and recreation to the Laramie River Restoration Project and over 30 partner agencies, the 5th Penny reinvests in the cultural and community life of Albany County.

  • Parks, trails, and park irrigation systems
  • The Laramie River Restoration Project
  • $3M+ paid forward to 30+ partner agencies since FY2015
  • Parks & Recreation staff
Cyclists riding a Laramie recreation trail
Laramie River Restoration ProjectPartner agency at work

Where the County's Share Goes

Albany County's FY2027 5th Penny Usage

The County itself directs its 5th Penny revenue across nine areas — from day-to-day public safety to a reserve for unplanned needs.

$1,238,518Total FY2027 County Allocation
  • Public Safety
    40%
  • Partner Agencies
    20%
  • Unplanned Contingency
    14%
  • Library
    8%
  • Fairgrounds
    6%
  • Continuing Education
    4%
  • Software Support
    4%
  • Building Maintenance
    3%
  • Grant Management
    1%

Partner Agencies, In Detail

Of the County's Partner Agencies share, most goes to Human Services.

  • 64%Human Services$160,338
  • 20%Recreation$49,669
  • 16%Other$39,993

Since FY2015, the City of Laramie has Paid Forward more than $3 million to 30+ partner agencies across Albany County.

View Partner Agencies
Source: Albany County, Wyoming FY2027 5th Penny Sales Tax Usage.