Councilman thinks online sales tax will help cities' budget slumps

A Rock Springs City Councilman believes increased internet shopping has resulted in sales tax declines seen in both Green River and Rock Springs.

David Halter, a councilman who works as the information technology director for the Sweetwater County Combined Communication Joint Powers Board, said sales tax revenue, which has declined in Sweetwater County for the past several years, has fallen partly due to the oil and gas industry not making large purchases within the county. However, Halter also believes increases in online commerce has also cut into the amount of sales tax generated for mun...