PLATTE COUNTY – According to Platte County Clerk, Malcolm Ervin, the coronavirus has not changed a lot of things for him, and it’s been business as usual, saying that as a county the ability to adapt to the pandemic has been impressive.
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PLATTE COUNTY – According to Platte County Clerk, Malcolm Ervin, the coronavirus has not changed a lot of things for him, and it’s been business as usual, saying that as a county the ability to adapt to the pandemic has been impressive.
“Physically, we’ve restricted a couple of things,” Ervin said, “just to limit the number of people that come into offices, but really we have not seen our business curtail any.”
The county is titling vehicles, getting plates and land records are still open for review although they are taking appointments for those, Ervin said.
“It’s an odd time of year, since it is an election year and it’s budget time in a year that has a lot of uncertainties when it comes to budgeting,” Ervin said. “We’ve already noticed a small dip in sales tax. We had our lowest collection in March that we’ve had in two years.”
According to the State of Wyoming, that is a trend that is going to continue. Gov. Mark Gordon has said counties should expect a significant reduction in sales tax and distribution from the state. With oil prices going negative and the bulk of the funding that comes from the State of Wyoming, the trickle down to communities, they may further understand the brutality of the governor’s word, “significant.”
“If they’re hurt, then we’re hurt,” Ervin commented. “It will be an odd year, and I think we will see revenues down. Platte County has always done a fantastic job of budgeting conservatively and this year will be no different. It’ll probably be one of the most conservative budgets composed, just because there is so much uncertainty.”
Ervin did say he hopes they are all wrong and the economy comes back booming and exceeding all expectations. He also cautioned being conservative means, to a degree, residents may have to be a little pessimistic as to the economy being as strong as it once was. He speaks to wisdom in hoping for the best but bracing for the worst. He also points out the economy will most likely rebound, but that it may not be on our timing.