Letter to the Editor: Saving tax dollars while supporting local government

Dear Editor,

As families across Wyoming continue to feel the strain of rising property taxes, I want to remind homeowners that there are meaningful relief programs available for 2026. These include the Long-Term Homeowner Exemption, which provides eligible long-time residents 65 years or older, and who have paid for 25 or more years, 50% off the assessed value of their home and associated land. For those who don’t quite meet that criteria, there is the Homeowner Property Tax Exemption, offering 25% off the first $1,000,000 of fair market value for qualifying primary residences. 

These programs are designed to ease the burden on everyday Wyomingites -- especially seniors, long-time taxpayers and those struggling to keep up with increasing costs. I encourage all who qualify to apply during the enrollment window that began October 1. Please call the Big Horn County Assessor’s office at 307-568-2547. 

At the same time, I want to acknowledge the residents who have expressed concern about the long-term impact of these exemptions on local government budgets. Those concerns are valid. Counties and municipalities rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund essential services, and we must ensure that tax relief for homeowners does not compromise our communities’ ability to function safely and effectively. 

That is why, as we look ahead to the upcoming legislative session, we are developing legislation to redistribute a larger percentage of state sales tax revenue back to local governments. This change would help offset revenue reductions caused by property tax exemptions and create a more balanced, sustainable fiscal structure for the future. 

Wyoming can deliver meaningful tax relief while still supporting strong local services. We do not have to choose one or the other. With thoughtful policy and responsible planning, we can protect both our homeowners and our hometowns. 

Dalton Banks 

Representative

House District 26