CENTRAL WYOMING COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OPPOSES PROPOSITION #1, CITES IMPACT TO STUDENTS, PROGRAMS AND LOCAL SERVICES

RIVERTON, Wyo. — The Central Wyoming College Board of Trustees adopted a resolution today during a special board meeting opposing Proposition #1, the property tax initiative appearing on Wyoming’s Nov. 3 general election ballot. The board cited concerns about the measure’s potential impact on funding for CWC students, programs, workforce training and community services. 

Proposition #1 would exempt 50% of the assessed value of a qualifying homeowner’s primary residence from property taxation. The initiative does not require the state to replace revenue lost by local entities as a result of the exemption.

Central Wyoming College estimates the measure would reduce its property tax revenue by approximately $400,000 annually. This is in addition to the $800,000 annual reduction already incurred because of recent property tax relief measures. Because personnel represents a significant portion of the college’s operating expenses, CWC estimates a reduction of that size could be equivalent to approximately five to six positions, depending on how the college ultimately addresses the loss.

Concerns about Proposition #1 extend beyond community colleges. The initiative would reduce property tax revenue that supports K-12 schools, libraries, counties, sheriff’s offices, fire districts and other local services, raising broader concerns about financial stability and local control across Wyoming communities.

The board’s resolution acknowledges the financial pressure rising property taxes have placed on Wyoming homeowners while noting that the Legislature has enacted several property tax relief measures in recent years.

The trustees expressed concern that another reduction in local revenue without replacement funding could result in fewer programs and services, reduced staffing and diminished capacity to respond to regional workforce needs.

The potential effects extend beyond CWC’s traditional college programs. Local property taxes also help support Board of Cooperative Educational Services programs that provide concurrent enrollment opportunities to area high school students.

CWC leaders also expressed concern about the potential impact on partnerships throughout the college’s service area, including the new CWC Jackson campus, where the college works closely with local government and community partners.

According to CWC data, approximately 84% of its students meet at least one federal indicator associated with increased barriers to college completion, including Pell Grant eligibility, first-generation college status or academic preparation needs. The board said maintaining affordable access and student support remains central to CWC’s mission.

Central Wyoming College’s action follows a statewide position taken by the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees. WACCT, which represents trustees from Wyoming’s eight community colleges, unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Proposition #1 in August. WACCT estimates that previous property tax changes have already reduced community college funding by approximately $13 million and that Proposition #1 would create an additional $4 million annual funding deficit across the community college system.

In its resolution, the CWC Board of Trustees states that passage of Proposition #1 without sufficient replacement funding would lead to a decrease in programming and services provided by Central Wyoming College.

The board also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for sustainable funding solutions that protect students, support Wyoming’s workforce and preserve local decision-making.

COMMUNITY FORUM PLANNED OCT. 8

A community non-partisan forum on Proposition #1 is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. in Health and Science Center, Room 100 on the Central Wyoming College campus in Riverton.

The forum is being organized by community members and is expected to include representatives from organizations and local entities that rely on property tax revenue to learn what the potential impacts would be. Organizers have invited Central Wyoming College to participate and provide information about the potential financial impact of Proposition #1 on the college and the students and communities it serves.

The forum will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the proposed property tax initiative and its potential effects on locally funded services.

The 2026 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.