JACKSON, Wyo. — Ready to cast a vote in the general election?
Folks voting in Teton County will be confronted with three ballot propositions. Each proposition asks for either a “for” or “against” vote. Leaving the bubbles blank is the same as voting “against” the proposition. To pass, more than 50% of voters must select “for.”
Teton County propositions
Both Teton County-specific propositions concern the use of mill levies. Mill levies are tax rates used by local governments to tax property. According to the County’s website, “mill” means “one thousandth,” so one mill means $1 of taxes for every $1,000 of assessed value of property. Each taxing body sets its levy every year, up to a maximum set by state law.
The “Proposed continuation of the conservation district tax” has to do with the funding mechanism for the Teton Conservation District (TCD). It asks voters to consider continuing the use of property tax money to support TCD staff and programming. Most of the organization’s funding has come through this tax since 1998, renewed by voters every four years. The conservation district tax is capped at one mill. TCD currently receives 0.49 mills, and that number would be adjusted no earlier than July 2027 when the new fiscal year begins. The district asked for 0.67 mills in 2025 and 0.52 mills in 2024.
Similarly, the “Proposed increase of the hospital district mill levy” allows voters to decide whether or not to increase the Hospital District’s mill levy from three mills to six mills. The hospital’s share is currently about 5% of the overall countywide levy. St. John’s Health has levied three mills since 1976. The hospital has used funds from the mills to provide its services and to cover uncompensated care.
Statewide: Proposition One
Across Wyoming, voters will contend with Proposition One: “People’s Initiative to Limit Property Tax in Wyoming through a Homeowner’s Property Exemption.” This initiative, if passed, would exempt half of the assessed value of a qualifying residential home from property tax. Supporters of the initiative are describing it as overdue relief after property values sent bills soaring post-pandemic. Opponents say it would gut local services with no plan to replace the loss. This could cut some Teton County homeowners’ tax bills by thousands of dollars while simultaneously pulling millions out of budgets that pay for local schools, ambulances and snow plows.
To qualify for the 50% property tax cut, owners must have lived in Wyoming for at least a year and live in the home six months a year. Anyone who claims the property tax exemption can’t claim other exemptions. If passed, land would stay fully taxed, so bills wouldn’t be cut entirely in half. Homeowners would only see a 50% cut on the structure, not the land surrounding it.
Election Day is Nov. 3.
