5th Penny Funds Distribution

Laramie County Public Works relies on 5th Penny funding for approximately 75% of its budget, putting those dollars to work throughout our community every day. Public Works impacts everyone—whether you’re heading to work, delivering crops to the market, getting the kids to school, driving to an appointment, receiving a delivery, or simply traveling across Laramie County.

From plowing snow, grading gravel roads, fixing potholes, repairing washouts, striping pavement, maintaining signs, managing stormwater, to mowing the ditches and much more, our crews work year-round to keep Laramie County moving. This funding also keeps the trucks, graders, plows, and other equipment ready for the job. No matter where your day takes you, Public Works helps you get there safely and reliably.

The 5th Penny Tax is vital to helping the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office stay current, prepared, and equipped to protect the people of Laramie County. The majority of the funding will be used to purchase new vehicles, ensuring the Sheriff’s Office maintains a modern, reliable fleet capable of meeting the demands of our growing community. 

The funding also allows the vehicles to be outfitted with the technology and safety features required for modern law enforcement. These investments provide deputies with the tools they need to respond effectively, communicate efficiently, and safely respond to the needs of residents across Laramie County. 

The 5^th Penny Tax helps ensure the Laramie County Sheriff's Office remains ready to protect and serve our community - today and in the future. 

The 5th Penny funds allocated to the Laramie County Recreation Planning & Advisory Board are used primarily for capital outlay recreation projects and equipment throughout Laramie County. This includes improvements and equipment at Clear Creek Park, the Archer Complex, and recreation facilities throughout Eastern Laramie County, including the communities of Albin, Burns, Carpenter, and Pine Bluffs.

The funds are also used as matching grant funds for Laramie County recreation projects. In addition, we are able to leverage the 5th Penny funds when applying for additional grants, allowing us to stretch those dollars even further and bring additional funding into Laramie County for recreation projects and improvements.

As a member of the Human Services Advisory Committee, and through the Human Services Agreement with both Laramie County Government and the City of Cheyenne, the United Way of Laramie County supports multiple non-profit organizations. These organizations’ missions fall into the areas of youth opportunity, supporting a healthy community, achieving financial security, and strengthening community resiliency. In 2026, UWLC supported 24 non-profit entites both organizationally and financially by administering 5^th penny funds allocated through the Human Services Agreement. 

The funds that the Cheyenne-Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board receives from the 5^th Penny goes to awarding grants to projects, nonprofits, and small businesses to facilitate and promote the sound economic growth of Laramie County and the communities within. There is an application process for these grants; the JPB hears the request then the grant committee reviews the information and awards based on various criteria specifically pointing toward economic development and offers the Board a recommendation to vote to approve the grant or not. These votes happen at public board meetings held the 4^th Tuesday of each month except July and December. 

More information can be found here on our website: https://www.clcedjpb.org/

The Laramie County Library has developed a site to educate voters on what the library uses 5th Penny Tax funds for. Please visit their site by clicking here.

Laramie County's nine fire districts rely on 5th Penny Sales Tax funding to help purchase essential firefighting equipment and emergency response apparatus. This funding helps districts provide firefighters with the tools and protective equipment they need to respond safely and effectively to a wide range of emergencies.

With operating budgets limited by state funding restrictions, fire districts face significant challenges in purchasing costly equipment without taking away from their daily operational needs. The 5th Penny helps offset these expenses, supporting purchases such as thermal imaging cameras, protective bunker gear, heavy-duty rescue tools, and emergency vehicles.

Over the past four years, Laramie County's fire districts have received approximately $595,000 in 5th Penny Tax distributions. Even with this funding, districts often must secure additional grants or loans to purchase a single piece of equipment.

The 5th Penny provides an additional funding source that helps fire districts maintain essential equipment, support firefighter safety, and continue delivering emergency services to communities throughout Laramie County.

The Laramie County Conservation District uses 5^th Penny funding to protect and improve natural resources throughout the County. These funds support habitat restoration, soil and water conservation, tree planting, living snow fences, and educational programs for residents of all ages. Through sustainable practices, the district helps preserve Laramie County’s natural beauty and resources for future generations.