Local government leaders in Wyoming are raising alarms over property tax cut proposals being considered by state lawmakers, citing potential negative impacts on essential public services.
Firefighters, sheriffs, community colleges, and special districts are advocating for targeted tax relief for homeowners, rather than blanket cuts that could lead to substantial revenue losses for local governments.
One of the most vocal concerns comes from fire departments. The Laramie County Fire Authority, which responds to a variety of emergencies from medical calls to fires, is worried that the proposed tax cuts will force the department to reduce its services. Fire Chief Jason Caughey, along with first responders from across the state, voiced concerns during a demonstration at the Wyoming Capitol, urging lawmakers to reconsider the cuts. Caughey emphasized that his department is currently able to respond to all emergency calls, but with reduced funding, they may only be able to handle the most severe incidents.
The property tax cuts, which are projected to reduce local revenues by millions of dollars, would impact crucial services such as fire departments, law enforcement, education, and infrastructure maintenance. Local government officials point out that property taxes fund essential services at the county level, and taxpayers may not fully realize that these funds are vital for maintaining community services.
Special districts, such as those overseeing hospitals and cemeteries, are also sounding the alarm. Craig Haslam, president of the Wyoming Association of Special Districts, has suggested that local voters should have the opportunity to decide whether to fund certain services through special elections. He advocates for a more localized approach to taxation, allowing communities to make decisions that best suit their needs.
The Wyoming Legislature passed five homeowner relief bills in 2024 to address rising home values and increased tax burdens. However, some lawmakers are now seeking more substantial property tax cuts, with proposals such as Senate File 69, which would provide a 50% exemption on the first $1 million of a home’s assessed value. While this could offer significant relief to homeowners, it also presents the risk of substantial revenue loss for local services.
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has expressed concern that the cuts could force layoffs and undermine public safety. Sheriff Brian Kozak warned that the cuts could harm recruitment efforts, as evidenced by a recent billboard campaign aimed at attracting law enforcement professionals to the state. Other groups, including community colleges, have joined the call for more targeted relief, arguing that blanket cuts would force them to make deep cuts to essential programs.
Some legislators are pushing back against the proposals, including Rep. JD Williams, who has consistently argued that a 50% property tax cut would be detrimental to Wyoming, especially in smaller communities. Rep. Andrew Byron, a volunteer firefighter, echoed these concerns, urging lawmakers to consider the long-term consequences of such drastic changes.
In response to growing pressure, the Wyoming House made significant revisions to Senate File 69, incorporating amendments that would narrow the scope of the tax cuts. One key amendment, proposed by Rep. Ken Clouston, suggests applying the 50% exemption only to the increase in a home’s value between 2019 and 2024, rather than offering a blanket exemption. This amendment aims to balance relief with the financial realities of different counties across the state.
Despite the revisions, some lawmakers, including Rep. Tony Locke, argue that the changes do not go far enough to provide immediate relief to taxpayers, while others, like Rep. Art Washut, stress the importance of addressing long-term fiscal sustainability.
With input from Wyo File, Sheridan Media, Cowboy State Daily, and County 10.
