JULY 23, 2025 |
Photo – Seal of Carbon County – Bigfoot99 file photo
County officials have released the 2025 through 2026 budget, showing how much property tax relief measures have affected the county’s finances.
In March, the Wyoming State Legislature approved a series of relief bills designed to help residents offset their rising property taxes, which were mainly driven by population growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, every Wyoming homeowner will see a 25% reduction on their property tax bills for the first $1 million of assessed value on residential properties. Additionally, seniors aged 65 and older who have lived in their homes for the past 25 years are also eligible for a 50% reduction in assessed property value.
Speaking at the June 17th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones criticized the state legislature for voting to reduce residential property taxes. Commissioner Jones said without that tax revenue, local governments will struggle to fund necessary services, such as libraries and senior centers.
Audio PlayerDespite the objections of the Carbon County Commissioners, the state tax relief measures passed. Altogether, the programs have cost Carbon County an estimated $500,000 in lost property tax revenue. The shortfall has forced the Board of County Commissioners to scale back funding for outside services.
The Carbon County Library System’s budget was cut by more than half. At the July 15th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Carbon County Library System Board of Directors member Adelaide Myers explained that the library’s budget was reduced signifyingly more than anticipated.
Audio PlayerThe Carbon County Library System saw a 53% reduction in revenue this fiscal year, dropping from $350,964 in 2024 to $164,452. Under Wyoming law, each county is only required to fund a single public library in its county seat, such as Rawlins. Facing a $186,512 budget shortfall, Library Board members are warning residents to expect shorter hours and potential branch closures.
Nearly all outside agencies faced substantial budget cuts this fiscal year. For example, the Carbon County Museum Board saw a 56% cut, going from $227,940 in 2024 to $100,000. This fiscal year, the Rawlins Frontier Prison experienced the steepest budget cut among all county agencies, with a 69% drop from $32,550 to $10,000.
The Board of Carbon County Commissioners has directed all outside agencies to do more with fewer resources. Additionally, residents are being encouraged to donate their property tax savings to the public services they value, such as their local libraries.
