City of Rock Springs Council Meeting August 17, 2026

The City of Rock Springs Council held a meeting on August 17, 2026, which included a presentation by Jenessa Meredith, CEO of Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism, regarding the local lodging tax. Meredith explained that the lodging tax, which is a 7% fee on hotel stays (comprised of a 5% statewide tax and a 2% local tax), is used primarily for marketing Sweetwater County to out-of-county visitors and funding local events that generate tourism. The tax has been on the ballot every four years since 1991 and enjoys strong voter support, with 78-82% approval. The council discussed the tax's role in supporting 25 local events in 2025, each eligible for up to $8,000 in funding, and the challenges of attracting private investment in tourism-related businesses. No new procurement actions or contract awards were discussed, but the presentation highlighted the importance of the lodging tax in sustaining tourism-related economic activity in the county.