Casper, WY – As the November ballot approaches, a longtime family‑owned confectionery is championing the renewal of Natrona County’s 2% lodging tax. Mike and Ryan Stepp, owners of Donells Candies, say the tax is a critical investment in local jobs, businesses and the quality of life for residents.
Tourism drives the local economy
Donells Candies has served downtown Casper for more than 70 years. The Stepps note that visitors arrive for conventions, business meetings, family reunions, sporting events, concerts, medical care and outdoor recreation. “Some are even exploring Casper as a place to live,” they wrote, adding that many visitors walk through their doors each day.
According to the letter, visitors account for over 10% of the shop’s sales, not counting the additional corporate business generated by travelers. That spending helps the Stepps employ local workers and sustains their multigenerational family business. They point out that many of their customers also earn their livelihoods from other businesses that serve tourists.
How the lodging tax supports tourism promotion
The county’s lodging tax funds Visit Casper, the organization tasked with attracting visitors and promoting the area. The tax is collected from guests staying in hotels, motels and other lodging accommodations, and residents who stay locally also contribute. This structure ensures that those who benefit most from tourism help finance its promotion.
Beyond the direct impact on hotels, the Stepps argue that tourism benefits ripple through the community. Visitors dine in restaurants, shop in stores, purchase fuel and generate sales‑tax revenue that supports public services used by all residents.
Community amenities and quality of life
Casper offers amenities the Stepps believe compare favorably with similarly sized or larger communities: David Street Station, Rotary Park, Casper Mountain, river trails, trout fishing, museums, the symphony and a range of sports and entertainment options. While these attractions draw visitors, they also enrich the lives of Casper’s families year‑round.
Potential fallout without the tax
The letter warns that a substantial decline in visitation would affect more than just hotels. Local businesses would see reduced sales, employees could lose hours or jobs, and tax revenues would fall. For Donells Candies, that would mean fewer work hours for staff and a direct hit to the family’s livelihood. Similar losses across the county would compound the economic impact.
Why renewal matters now
“We have worked hard to make Casper an attractive place to visit and a good place to live,” the Stepps wrote. “Maintaining that strength takes effort. We cannot simply assume travelers, meetings and events will keep choosing us without promotion.” Renewing the lodging tax, they say, is a sensible way to keep inviting people into the community and turning those visits into lasting local benefits.
Voters are asked to decide on the renewal this November. The Stepps encourage fellow residents to support the measure, emphasizing that the tax’s benefits extend to families, the workforce and the broader community.
How to vote
The renewal question will appear on the November ballot for all Natrona County voters. For more information on polling locations and voting hours, residents can visit the county’s official elections website.
Mike and Ryan Stepp remain hopeful that the community will recognize the value of the lodging tax and vote in favor of renewal, ensuring that Casper continues to thrive as both a tourist destination and a vibrant home for its families.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
