Letter to the Editor: Proposition 1 is hasty

Dear Editor:

It’s a beautiful fall day, and here we are again, two friends at my kitchen counter, and what are we talking about today? Prop 1, where do we start? We agree Prop 1 is not a Democrat or Republican issue; it is a community issue for Big Horn County. The history of a property tax in Wyoming dates to our original 1889 State Constitution, serving as the primary way to fund local governments and public schools.  Arguably Wyoming currently has the lowest tax rates in the country, including property tax, sales tax and no income tax. 

Each of Wyoming’s 23 counties collect property tax and distribute that tax back into their county; those funds are reinvested in services and infrastructure we all use. As a designated ‘hardship’ county, Big Horn County is not in a place to absorb losses that would result if Prop 1 passes. The county has already made budget cuts due to the 25% property tax cut passed by the legislature in 2025.  If we lose more property tax revenue, we will be forced to dramatically cut back on our services, or go to the state, hat in hand, and ask for funding to maintain the service level we now enjoy. 

The most obvious “backfill” being touted is a sales tax on groceries, possibly prescriptions, which will be a triple whammy, again affecting our seniors, our lower income earners who already struggle, and the continued pressure of inflation that is affecting us all. In 18 of 23 counties, the average homeowner will potentially pay MORE for the grocery sales tax than they will save on their property tax at a Prop 1 rate. Additionally, many Wyoming residents won’t benefit at all, as they are renters. They will incur additional tax costs in their food budget, as well as the burden of increased municipal rates such as sewer, garbage collection and water. 

As we see it, Prop 1 is a hasty, flawed legislative action. It requires only six months of residency, it does not require durable application certification, it does not include tax relief for lower income homeowners, and it does not include a plan for “backfilling” the budget needs of hardship counties.

We have several generous tax exemption options currently available: the 25% exemption passed by the 2025 legislature, the Long-Term Home Owner Exemption, and our Veteran’s Exemption. The 4% yearly cap on property tax further lightens the tax burden on homeowners. Certainly, the increase in property tax is a valid concern and must be addressed, but a yes vote on Proposition 1 is not the answer.

OUR property taxes pay for OUR essential services; we don’t want to be beholden to Cheyenne politics. Local control has always been essential in Wyoming governance. With OUR vote we say: it’s important to fund our public health, schools, conservation districts, senior centers, county fair, law enforcement, fire halls, safe roads and bridges, towns, libraries, county staff and hospitals. Let’s not throw away these Wyoming values on potentially destructive policy. 

Chris Gillett and Jean Petty

Greybull and Shell