Amendment A
Are you For or Against?
Oct 2024
Amendment A asks voters whether to amend the Wyoming constitution, separating residential property tax into it’s own class.
Make an informed decision by listening to HD40 Representative Barry Crago explain why he supports Amendment A, while Brent Bien and Laura DeMatteis (self-described “concerned conservative citizens”) share their reasons for opposing it.
THE AMENDMENT READS:
“The adoption of this amendment would separate residential real property into its own class of property for purposes of property tax assessments. The amendment would authorize the legislature to create a subclass of owner-occupied primary residences.”
Voters are asked to vote YES or NO to the amendment.
MORE INFORMATION:
Amendment A proposes changing the Wyoming constitution to classify residential property as a separate class for property tax assessment.
Proponents argue that separating residential property tax, would allow more flexibility for legislation to provide tax relief for homeowners.
Residential property taxes in Wyoming remain a hot topic. Many homeowners have faced sharply increasing rates due to rising property values, and legislative efforts to provide widespread relief remain unfulfilled.
Property taxes are a vital source of local government funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services. Property taxes stay in the county where they were levied; subsidizing education, special use districts, and other essential infrastructure and services. The only monies currently redistributed to make up inequities between affluent and lesser counties across Wyoming is for education.
Property tax in Wyoming is a tax levied on real estate, including residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties. It serves as a primary source of revenue for local governments and is used to fund public services such as education, infrastructure, law enforcement, and emergency services.
Wyoming calculates property tax based on the assessed value of the property, which is determined by county assessors. The state uses a system where property is valued at a fraction of its market value—known as the assessment ratio. For residential property, the assessment ratio is typically 9.5% of the property’s market value. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local mill levy (a rate determined by local taxing districts) to determine the amount of tax owed.
While Wyoming does not have a state income tax, property tax is a significant financial factor for homeowners and businesses. Local governments set their mill levy rates based on the budgetary needs for services such as schools, roads, and public safety. Property tax increases have become a concern for many Wyoming residents due to rising property values, which in turn drives up tax bills, even if the mill levies remain the same.
Johnson County Assessor
Steve Esponda
76 N Main Street
Buffalo, WY 82834
tel: 307 684 7392
Johnson County Treasurer
Carla Bishop
76 N Main St
Buffalo, WY 82834
tel: 307 684 7302
Wyoming Legislature Fiscal Data Book 2023
(2023 edition of the Legislative Service Office’s (LSO) Budget Fiscal Data Book)
