TUESDAY, May 5, 2026 |
Photo – Property tax records – Bigfoot99 file photo
As the filing deadline for elected offices approaches, county commissioners are encouraging residents to run or, at least, turn out to vote in the August primary elections.
In 2025, statewide residential property tax relief programs have reduced tax revenue for every county and municipality in Wyoming. In Carbon County, the combined impact of programs such as the 25 percent Homeowner Property Tax Exemption, the 50 percent Long‑Term Homeowner Exemption, and the Property Tax Refund Program resulted in an estimated $500,000 loss in county revenue.
During the most recent legislative session, state lawmakers made the 50 percent Long‑Term Homeowner Exemption permanent, and the 25 percent Homeowner Property Tax Exemption is set to expire next year.
Speaking during the April 21st Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting in Encampment, Commissioner Sue Jones said the tax relief programs will continue having a negative impact on the county’s finances this fiscal year. Commissioner Jones said County Assessor Renee Snider has reported that several properties in the Platte and Little Snake River valleys have already hit the annual four percent property tax increase limit.
As an example, Commissioner Jones said her father’s property taxes dropped by $502 under the relief programs. While modest on its own, the reduction becomes significant when viewed across the entire county. Jones said this November, she hopes voters choose lawmakers who better understand how the tax revenue is used.
Commissioner Jones said that as municipalities receive less tax revenue, they are likely to charge residents more for sewer and water access, since those services are often partially funded by the tax revenue. The commissioner urged Carbon County residents to vote in the August 18th primary, saying that most of the state’s political races will be effectively settled at that point.
Commissioner Jones said Carbon County saw a nearly $500,000 reduction in revenue in 2025. While the projected impact is expected to be smaller this year, the commissioner said any reduction will have an effect on the county’s budget.
Commissioner Jones said the four percent tax cap had the greatest impact in Teton, Lincoln, and Sheridan counties. While Carbon County saw only a modest increase in property values, Jones said those other counties experienced sharp spikes in home prices during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Commissioner Jones said Teton County lost approximately $8 million in 2025, solely due to the four percent property tax cap.
A measure will be on this November’s ballot to amend the state constitution to reduce all residential property taxes by 50 percent, further reducing the county’s ability to provide road maintenance, law enforcement, museums, libraries, and senior centers.
Carbon County residents interested in running for an open elected position must submit their filing paperwork to the county clerk’s office between May 14th and May 29th.
