Outside Front View of the Future Powell Senior Center in Powell, WY

Investing in Our Community: The Powell Senior Center & The 1% Special Use Tax

This November, voters in Park County have a unique opportunity to shape the future of local senior services. A proposed temporary, 1% special use sales tax will fund a critical $7.9 million project to construct a modern facility for the Powell Senior Center on South Fair Street.

Bundled into a broader county-wide initiative totaling $19.2 million, this temporary special use tax will briefly raise the local rate from 4% to 5% — only until the necessary project funds are collected. By supporting this measure, our community can directly invest in an accessible space that ensures Powell's seniors continue to receive the vital resources, meals, and social connections they deserve for generations to come.

Fast Facts: How the Tax Works

Visitors help pay: Tourists visiting Yellowstone National Park pay roughly 44% to 45% of all sales tax collected in Park County.

Shared county benefits: The special use tax benefits the Powell Senior Center, the Meeteetse Senior Center, local swimming pools, visitor centers, and the Cody Auditorium.

Strictly temporary: The $19.2 million is expected to be raised within 22 to 24 months, after which the special use tax immediately goes back to the current 4%.

Why a New Powell Senior Center is Urgently Needed

Our population is aging, with close to 40% of Park County residents now aged 60 or older. A vote for this measure is a highly responsible use of tax money that will serve the next four to five generations of seniors and their families by solving critical issues:

Space & Layout: The new facility provides 9,500 square feet on a single level. The current building is crowded at 5,618 square feet spread across three levels.

Full Accessibility: The new building will be 100% ADA compliant. Currently, less than half of our building is accessible to all seniors.

Safe Restrooms: Restrooms in the new facility will easily accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Current restrooms are too small to navigate safely.

Expanded Parking: Parking will double to over 50 dedicated spaces, fixing the current, inadequate lot which offers only 27 spaces.

Confidential Counseling: Dedicated, private offices will be built for sensitive VA, Medicare, and Social Security counseling. The current building offers zero privacy for these vital services.

Cast Your Vote This November

We proudly ask our community to support local seniors and infrastructure by voting FOR the 1% special use sales tax on November 3, 2026.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Chat.

A well-informed community is a strong community. If you have questions about the project costs, the temporary timeline, or the facility layout, our staff and board are available for face-to-face conversations.

Call the center at (307) 754-4223, visit us at 248 North Gilbert Street, or email us at director@powellseniorcenter.com