Latest news with #SF69
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We should all be mindful': LCSD1 considers fiscal impacts of legislative session
CHEYENNE – Laramie County School District 1 officials are keeping a close watch on revenue streams after significant property tax relief and expansion of a school voucher program were signed into law earlier this month. Property taxes directly fund local school districts, with a portion of these taxes flowing into the state's School Foundation Program account. The state pulls money from this account to fund inflationary costs of public school funding through the K-12 public school block grant. With four major property tax relief programs passed last year, and a historical property tax cut signed into law earlier this month, revenue streams into the SFP are expected to take a direct hit. Gov. Mark Gordon recently signed Senate File 69, which provides a 25% property tax exemption on the first $1 million of a single-family home's fair market value. The bill does not have an end date, nor does it include any backfill from the state. Laramie County School District 1 Finance Director Jed Cicarelli said SF 69 will hurt the school district's ability to collect local taxes for funding operations. Decreased local revenue means a heavier reliance on the state for school funding, he said. 'As the local tax collections decrease, the pressure on (the SFP) will increase, because the state will have to make up those entitlement payments,' Cicarelli told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. 'But it also means there's less revenue coming into that account. … So you're kind of hitting it on both sides of the equation.' House Bill 199, "Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act," is another indirect factor to the equation. HB 199 expands eligibility for Wyoming's Education Savings Account (ESA) program by removing the income-based requirement for grades K-12 and increasing the per-child, per-year amount from $6,000 to $7,000. This program will cost the state an estimated $44.3 million per year out of the SFP starting in 2026, according to the Legislative Service Office. 'Both pieces of legislation have kind of the same effect on … that increased demand on the School Foundation Account,' Cicarelli said. 'We should all be mindful of how that does impact our local governments.' On a positive note, however, Cicarelli said Wyoming schools still have a state entitlement that ensures adequate funding. And a recent decision from a state district court judge in Laramie County upped the ante on that entitlement, after he found Wyoming has unconstitutionally underfunded its public schools. The decision was released toward the end of the legislative session, and Wyoming lawmakers wasted no time in restoring the full $66.3 million external cost adjustment through a school recalibration House bill. Declining student enrollment Wyoming's largest school district has lost around 1,000 students since the pandemic, and Cicarelli said lower student enrollment reduces state funding to the school district. LCSD1 was originally estimated to receive an extra $9.3 million in funding from the state this year. However, Cicarelli said the decline in student enrollment is not reflected in the $9.3 million cost adjustment, and district enrollment numbers fell by another 129 students last fall. He estimated the lower enrollment would cost the district $3.3 million in state funds. Revenue projections for LCSD1 are also down by $1.4 million, or half a percentage point, Cicarelli told school board members Monday night. He later told the WTE this decline is not a significant concern, and better estimations will be available in the final quarter of the year. The passage of Senate File 73 also dips into school district funding, since it now requires the district's central office to allocate a portion of its revenue to district-approved and state-approved charter schools. 'That money will come out of our funding and go to those (three charter) schools,' Cicarelli said. However, it has not yet been determined what these fiscal impacts will be. Multiple other bills passed by the Legislature were also discussed Monday night, with many of them expected to have some fiscal impact to the school district. Among those was HB 172, a bill that repeals a majority of gun-free zones throughout the state, including in public schools. Cicarelli said the bill could affect costs for insurance, staff training and lock boxes, but the significance of those costs has yet to be determined.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gordon signs 25% homeowner property tax cut bill, vetoes anti-DEI bill
CHEYENNE — Gov. Mark Gordon has signed a measure to provide a statewide, 25% property tax cut for Wyoming homeowners, but vetoed a bill to ban DEI programming at Wyoming's institutions of higher education. Gordon signed Senate File 69, 'Homeowner property tax exemption,' on Tuesday. His office said in a news release that the legislation will 'provide permanent property tax relief to Wyoming homeowners.' The same release announced that Gordon vetoed Senate File 103, 'Terminating and defunding diversity, equity and inclusion,' a bill sponsored by Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Torrington. That bill prohibited DEI efforts and mandates by state agencies and public educational institutions. Property tax bill SF 69 went through many iterations over the course of the 68th Wyoming Legislature's general session, which is scheduled to end Thursday. More than once, lawmakers amended the bill to offer a 50% property tax cut, and even tried to include a calculation of relief based on a five-year, county-by-county average increase. SF 69 provides a 25% property tax exemption on the first $1 million of a single-family home's fair market value and does not have a sunset date. The exemption takes effect immediately, with an owner-occupied requirement beginning in the second year. 'I have always supported tax accountability, and this bill provides tax relief without transferring the burden to our core energy industry,' Gordon said in the release. 'This act, coupled with the bills I signed last year, responds to the call for property tax relief. Now the practical impacts of this legislation will need to be navigated by our cities, counties, special districts and citizens.' In a second joint conference committee meeting last Thursday, Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River, asked that the Senate agree to provide backfill for local governments in the bill, as was the House's preference. Senate Vice President Tim Salazar, R-Riverton, said the Senate could not agree to a deal on SF 69 that included backfill with a cut of only 25%. Even as late as Tuesday afternoon, representatives in the House tried to add backfill amendments to other property tax measures. Several attempts were made to Senate File 153, 'Residential real property-taxable value,' which would create a separate property tax assessment rates for residential real property. 'I think we should continue to stand for our position. It shouldn't be about what the other body is going to do, or what the guy downstairs is going to do,' Rep. J.T. Larson, R-Rock Springs, said on the House floor. 'We have to do what's right for our constituents.' All amendments to add backfill to SF 153 failed. Terminating DEI bill Falling back on an argument about local control, Gordon said in his veto letter on SF 103 that Wyoming has 'long upheld principles of responsible governance, educational excellence, and local control.' Gordon said that while he appreciated the Legislature's 'efforts to address concerns related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within public institutions,' he had significant reservations with the bill in its current form. The bill, according to Gordon, 'introduces ill-defined and overly broad restrictions, creates significant legal ambiguities, and risks unintended consequences that could negatively impact Wyoming's higher education institutions and workforce development.' The bill also included a late-stage amendment that was added on after the Legislature failed to agree upon a supplemental budget bill. Steinmetz initially recommended that the Senate not concur with the House amendment to SF 103 to include $550,000 to fund medical education for Wyoming students under an agreement with the University of Utah, but the Senate receded from nonconcurrence and sent the bill to the governor with the amendment. Gordon said while he fully supports 'training the future physicians Wyoming needs,' the funding 'may be a more proper discussion for the Legislature to take up this fall in anticipation of the upcoming Budget Session.' Other bills, he said, also address the same concerns regarding DEI activities in public institutions, including House Enrolled Act 67, which defines prohibited practices, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of legal confusion.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senate, House leaders agree on 25% property tax cut
CHEYENNE – Thursday morning, lawmakers in a joint conference committee signed an agreement to offer a 25% property tax cut to Wyoming homeowners. The measure still has to pass both the Senate and House of Representatives, and be allowed to become law by Gov. Mark Gordon. As of Thursday morning, Senate File 69, 'Homeowner property tax exemption,' includes a 25% property tax exemption starting in 2025 on residential structures and improved land up to $1 million of the fair market value. The exemption is not available if a homeowner receives a 50% long-term homeowner exemption passed in 2024, according to Rep. Tony Locke, R-Casper, who sat on the JCC. Rep. Tony Locke, R-Casper (2025) Rep. Tony Locke, R-Casper Beginning in the second year, the exemption extends only to owner-occupied homes, with the consideration that it will also apply to deployed military members. The 25% cut would be ongoing, meaning the bill includes no sunset date. 'It has been clear from the very beginning that the people of Wyoming wanted property tax relief,' Sen. Tim Salazar, R-Riverton, said. 'This is about one of the most important issues in the Legislature, and I want to compliment the House because I know they also wanted property tax relief.' Sen. Tim Salazar soaks in the moment Sen. Tim Salazar, R-Riverton, soaks in a moment on the Senate floor Thursday during the 68th Wyoming Legislature's general session. Salazar said that after negotiations on the bill stalled on Tuesday morning, leaders decided to move forward. Friday is the deadline to send bills to the governor in order to allow time for veto override votes, if necessary. House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River, said the House Republican Caucus met on Wednesday to discuss SF 69. Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River, works at his desk on the floor of the House of Representatives on Feb. 7. 'We also ran a bunch of numbers based on the proposal that was offered Tuesday. We would like to accept the Senate's position that was offered on Tuesday morning,' Heiner said. He did request that the Senate agree to provide backfill for local governments in the bill, especially considering a Senate announcement Wednesday night that that chamber would not pass a supplemental budget at all. 'With the press release that came out last night that the supplemental budget will not be brought out for consideration, we would like to offer the (House) position on backfill be included in this bill,' Heiner said, adding that special districts, in particular, rely on property taxes and need the backfill. Salazar responded that while the Senate appreciated the attempt, the body could not agree to a deal on SF 69 that included backfill. 'The Senate position is that backfill is not needed. We were at 50%, and now we are at 25%. We feel that at 25%, the (impact) is negligible,' Salazar said, noting that the supplemental budget is 'off the table and gone.' Rather than let SF 69 die because of an inability to reach a deal, Heiner said the House would accept the Senate's position. 'This is something that provides immediate tax relief. It is important that we do something this year and not kick the can down the road,' Heiner said. 'So rather than lose the bill, we will withdraw that proposal and go with the Senate position.' Salazar noted that the bill must still pass on the floor in both chambers. Locke said to expect it that vote today in the House. If signed by the governor or allowed to become law without his signature, SF 69 would be 'effective immediately,' according to Locke.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Laramie County could lose $7.6 million from proposed property tax cuts
CHEYENNE — As the Wyoming Legislature continues to push for more residential property tax cuts, municipalities and counties are concerned about what that could mean for them. Last week, Laramie County employees received an email stating the county will face a $7.6 million shortage if Senate File 69 is approved as introduced. The email was in response to concerns that the county would be forced to eliminate 60 county positions if the legislation is signed into law without any revenue backfill from the state. While it is true that the county would have to shave some expenses if property taxes are cut, that does not necessarily mean it would solely be through eliminating positions, according to the email. Laramie County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Gunnar Malm said the conversation would be ongoing as government officials compile their budget in the coming months. He said he hopes to limit any reduction in current staffing. Wyoming law enforcement officials concerned about property tax cuts Local sheriff departments and fire departments across Wyoming are at risk of losing a significant amount of funding this year as the Wyoming Legislature considers further property tax cuts. This week, WTE reporter Ivy Secrest shares her conversation with Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak and Laramie County Fire Authority Chief Jason Caughey on the issue.\n\nStick around to hear a recap of local headlines and happenings at the Wyoming Capitol over the past week, as well as a preview of upcoming local events.\n\nNew episodes published every Friday.\n\nProvide feedback or suggestions to news@ 'There will certainly be impacts, but our intention and goal will be to figure out how to still provide all the vital services that not only state statute requires, but that our residents require, and do so within the budget that is presented with whatever reduction comes from property taxes,' Malm told the WTE. SF 69 would create a statewide residential property tax cut of 50% on single-family primary residences valued at up to $1 million. Proponents say it is intended to ease the financial tax burden on Wyoming property owners, who have asked for such relief. The bill would also give exemptions for business property owners, Malm said. He said this could result in a couple million more in lost county revenue due to the economic drivers in Laramie County, including oil and gas and data centers. Property tax revenue in Wyoming goes to counties, municipalities and special districts to fund services like law enforcement, hospitals and infrastructure, as well as K-12 education. Malm said the impact of this bill may be more heavily realized in smaller communities and counties. 'What this means for the town of Albin, town of Pine Bluffs, Burns, our fire districts, those things, they rely upon property taxes. They're not supplemented from the county budget at all,' Malm said. 'Those are standalone entities that collect tax revenue through mills and property taxes. They don't have the revenue base to draw from to weather what could potentially come, and so that is my fear is what this means for small-town Wyoming.' He added that reduced fire suppression services could also mean residents face more difficulties and expenses when seeking insurance coverage for their property. The House amended the bill to apply tax relief on a county-by-county basis to ease concerns from those who run services funded by property taxes. On Wednesday, however, the House voted to remove that amendment on third reading, returning it to a statewide, 50% assessment reduction for residential structures up to $1 million in value. It does now contain $200 million worth of backfill, however. 'I would just ask us to take a more cautious and holistic approach looking at it than a one-size-fits-all property tax cut across the board,' Malm said. However, Malm did acknowledge the need to ease the financial burden on some Wyoming residents paying property taxes. 'I think that there is a certain need for property tax relief. I think residents see that and have requested that. I think that the issue comes when we do a wholesale property tax cut. Does every resident need one? I don't know,' he said. 'I personally don't feel that I need a property tax cut. I feel that I get a lot of services for the property taxes I pay.' He added that he would rather see the previous property tax reduction programs approved by the Legislature play out before moving forward with a bill like SF 69. Molly Bennett is the head of Laramie County Public Works. The services in her department are not specifically funded by property taxes, but she worries how it may still impact Public Works. 'Just given the impact that this could have ... I think everybody, at some level, is worried, right? It's hard not to be just because of what could happen,' Bennett said. 'At the same time, we don't have any facts yet on what that's going to look like, so it's really difficult to jump the gun and make some assumptions there without really knowing how it's going to all play out.' Ultimately, if property taxes are cut, the county commissioners will decide which services or positions will also be cut when they are assembling their annual budget for the next fiscal year. Other local service providers, like the Laramie County Sheriff's Office and the Laramie County Fire Authority, have expressed opposition to the legislation due to fears of potentially cutting staff and services, as well. House Bill 169 proposes identical cuts, but the House measure also provides a $125 million 'backfill' to reimburse local governments for revenue lost to property tax cuts. Malm said a backfill would be helpful, but it would create issues of using state dollars to fund local governments and services. 'When we start using state funds to backfill and supplant income that local governments rely on from the income sources we're allowed, it isn't a sustainable solution,' he said. 'The state has its own host of responsibilities and costs, and so to think that we could have an ongoing kind of backfill from the state of Wyoming is not something I'm willing to bet my life on, or even hedge on, because I don't think it's a realistic long-term solution.' HB 169 was introduced to the Senate on Thursday and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. No committee hearings on the bill have been scheduled. Senators refused to concur with House changes to SF 69 on Thursday, so the bill will next go to a joint conference committee to try to work out differences between the two chambers.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
House amends Senate property tax bill back to a statewide 50% cut
CHEYENNE – After more than seven hours of debate, members of the House Freedom Caucus moved a major property tax bill back closer to the Senate's version than representatives left it last week. The House debated 21 amendments to Senate File 69, 'Homeowner property tax exemption,' on third reading Wednesday. Three major amendments removed a county-by-county basis take on tax relief, returning the bill to a statewide, 50% assessment reduction for residential structures up to $1 million in value. When the House voted 42-19 in favor of SF 69 on Wednesday, the bill included that 50% exemption for up to $1 million of the fair market value for residential structure for two years, but not a Senate-approved exemption for associated land. The House also added a backfill of about $200 million that the Senate did not approve. A third amendment very different from the Senate's version of SF 69 passed; it was brought by Freedom Caucus-endorsed freshman legislator Rep. Jayme Lien, R-Casper. That amendment would include a permanent 25% property tax cut from the tax year 2027 on. The Senate's version of the bill included a two-year sunset, or no property tax cut after 2027. Rep. Ken Pendergraft, R-Sheridan, who is backed by the Freedom Caucus and brought the first of the three approved amendments, said early in the day, while considering other amendments, that there were better amendments to come that he had crafted with other lawmakers' input. Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper, said he was disappointed his fellow representatives were voting to take the bill back to its earlier state, and that the county-by-county approach approved on second reading would be removed. Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper (2025) Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper 'Remember last Thursday night, when there was a sense of freshness, opportunity, the light came on,' Washut said. 'Now here we are a few days later, ready to jettison that little ray of sunshine and go back to the original.' Other representatives expressed dismay that nearly every other amendment failed in something close to a two-thirds vote, and questioned whether decisions were made at private meetings between second reading last Thursday and Wednesday's third reading. Proper names of organizations are not allowed on the House floor, so no one referenced the Freedom Caucus PAC by name. 'We had a debate last week, we thought we were being productive. We thought we had come together for a consensus of something good, and I am disappointed with the direction we are going,' Rep. Cody Wylie, R-Rock Springs, said. Rep. Cody Wylie, R-Rock Springs (2025) Rep. Cody Wylie, R-Rock Springs 'Folks at home, this is what happens when you're bringing politics into the decisions that are going to shape our children's' future. This is what happens when you make a decision in a meeting room somewhere not on this floor,' Wylie continued. Minority floor leader Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, said later in debate that if anything, 21 amendments to the bill meant it was not ready to become law. Further, he said that the decision to amend was not made in the seven hours of debate on the House floor Wednesday. Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson (2025) Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson 'We had the conversations in public, but those conversations weren't the real conversations. The decision had already been made,' Yin said. In one heated exchange between two Casper Republican representatives, Rep. Julie Jarvis said that, as amended, SF 69 was a 'political bill.' Rep. Tony Locke, who has been endorsed by the Freedom Caucus, pushed back angrily. Rep. Tony Locke, R-Casper (2025) Rep. Tony Locke, R-Casper 'If people are going to get up and disparage people's reason for voting in this room, that's the wrong answer,' Locke said. 'You don't walk into this room and say, 'Something's fishy and we were all set up'.' Jarvis responded that she simply did not believe the bill was about helping the people of Wyoming. Rep. Julie Jarvis, R-Casper (2025) Rep. Julie Jarvis, R-Casper 'The amendments that were created and decided ahead of time — I am ashamed that I would be part of this,' Jarvis said. Other amendments Four amendments that would have adjusted a county-by-county procedure for calculating property tax relief — brought by Rep. Ken Clouston, R-Gillette, on second reading last week — failed. Others had to do with the percentage of tax cuts under SF 69, and whether those should be applied at 25% or 50%. Another was whether a change in the state's sales tax mechanism could be used to mitigate the property tax cuts. All were voted down. 'Do we have a strong vision on where we want to see property tax relief go? I would argue that frankly, we don't,' Yin said in the middle of debate on the eighth amendment. Another failed amendment proposed by Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, would have assessed residential property at 8.3%, a change allowed by Constitutional Amendment A, passed in November's general election. Harshman said that including the amendment in SF 69 would ensure that the voters' will be done. Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, former Freedom Caucus chair, and Majority Floor Leader Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River, both argued Harshman's amendment was unnecessary, as Senate File 153, 'Residential real property-taxable value,' is making its way to the House floor and addresses the same issue. Harshman's amendment failed. The House's version of SF 69 must now be reconciled with the Senate's version before either could be sent to Gov. Mark Gordon's desk.
