Welcome to Advocacy Corner, a monthly series of nonpartisan advocacy posts by the Natrona Collective Health Trust, aimed at advancing our mission of improving the health of Natrona County residents. Each month, we explore key issues that impact community well-being, providing insights and information to empower residents. If you have a topic suggestion or question, please reach out to Rachel Bouzis, Director of Policy & Learning.
Much of our national attention is focused on your ballot’s first contest: the presidential race. While that’s certainly a big decision, it’s not the only consequential choice you’ll be asked to make. This ballot is jam-packed, and Natrona County voters will decide on several critical issues that directly impact our community and your family. These choices include electing city councilors, school board trustees and voting on a number of key local measures.
Constitutional Amendment A
Wyoming voters will decide whether to pass Constitutional Amendment A, which seeks to reform property tax laws by separating “residential real property” into its own class for property tax assessment purposes. If passed, the amendment would authorize the Legislature to create a subclass for owner-occupied primary residences, separating them from commercial properties. More plainly, right now, businesses that make money and homes where we live are taxed at the same rate. This amendment would separate them so they could be taxed at different rates in the future.
Proponents of the amendment argue that large businesses should not be taxed at the same rate as residents. The often-cited comparison is that Walmart and your grandma both pay 9.5 percent property tax, which feels off. Advocates are hopeful the amendment would provide relief to property owners, particularly for those on fixed incomes, while big businesses would start paying more. Meanwhile, those opposed to the amendment believe that the changes could put undue harm on small businesses and lead to reduced revenues for essential state and local services. Additionally, they voice concern that property managers would pass higher property tax costs onto renters, which would inflate rent. Even if the amendment is passed, the vote by itself would not change any tax rates; opponents argue that legislators would be able to raise commercial and residential property taxes if they choose.
Learn more about the proposal here. If you’re still unsure how to vote, read these nuanced pro– and against-Amendment A editorials.
Importantly, as is the case with any Wyoming constitutional amendment, leaving the proposal blank is automatically counted as a “no” vote. In other words, if you opt not to vote for or against this referendum, you’re technically voting against it. This procedural detail means that selecting an option is critical for your vote to be counted.
City of Casper: Sixth-Cent Tax Proposals
Voters within City of Casper limits will also be weighing in on eight independent proposed sixth-cent tax measures. Each project is considered separately; for example, if propositions 2, 4 and 6 passed, those projects would get funded while propositions 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 would not. If approved, all sales tax in Casper would increase from 5 percent to 6 percent for up to two years. All items that are currently exempted from sales tax, including groceries, prescriptions and fuel, would remain tax free.
Regardless of how many propositions are passed, the entirety of any sixth cent tax would end either when the approved projects are fully funded or in two years – whichever comes first. There is no legal possibility for the sixth cent to become permanent without either future voter approval or new state laws.
Supporters of these proposals believe that by funding public projects that may otherwise face delays or cuts, a small tax increase is worth improving livability and economic impact through recreational opportunities and tourism. Those opposed have raised concerns about increasing the local tax burden, and some consider this an unfair cost put on those who don’t use these services. Here are the projects being considered:
- Proposition 1: Metro Animal Shelter – $7.3 million
The current animal shelter is outdated and overcrowded, putting both animals and staff at risk. The project will fund a new, larger shelter with improved health and safety conditions. - Proposition 2: Casper Ice Arena – $5 million
Funding will support adding a second sheet of ice to expand recreational and tourism opportunities. Current facilities are over capacity. - Proposition 3: Hogadon Ski Lift – $4.2 million
The current ski lift is more than 40 years old, and this proposition will replace it with a modern, safer lift that can accommodate more users, including those with disabilities. - Proposition 4: Fastpitch Softball Fields – $4 million
Casper currently does not have any regulation size fastpitch softball fields. This funding will construct new fields and meet demand for youth sports, especially among girls ages 8-18. - Proposition 5: Fire Station #1 – $4.4 million
Downtown Fire Station #1 is outdated and undersized. This proposition will purchase land, design and engineering for a new station that meets increased demand and modern safety standards. - Proposition 6: 911 Dispatch Center – $5 million
This project replaces the outdated technology and equipment for our dispatchers that is critical for reliable, speedy emergency response. - Proposition 7: Auxiliary Gym – $3.6 million
With the existing facility over capacity, a new gym at the Casper Recreation Center would provide space for more recreational activities, sports leagues and community events. - Proposition 8: Washington Park Bandshell – $1.5 million
The current structure needs repairs and upgrades. This project preserves the existing landmark structure while equipping it to host modern events.
Keep Voting Down Ballot
When you go to vote for president, don’t stop there. Local politics are hugely impactful to our community, and they need your careful consideration. This is your opportunity to help shape our Natrona County’s future. Thanks in advance for voting.
For more information on voting, read our August Advocacy Corner.