A Resolution on Proposition 1 was adopted Tuesday night, Oct. 20, by Casper College trustees, detailing the measure’s potential financial and operational impacts on Casper College.
Board Passes Resolution on Proposition 1
WHEREAS, Casper College is a public, comprehensive community college dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational opportunities that support student success, workforce development, and the economic vitality of Natrona County and the State of Wyoming; and
WHEREAS, local property tax revenue represents an important and historically stable component of funding for Casper College and Wyoming’s community colleges; and
WHEREAS, Wyoming voters will consider Proposed Initiative Proposition Number One during the November 3, 2026, General Election, which would establish a property tax exemption for qualifying homeowners’ primary residences equal to fifty percent (50%) of the assessed value of the dwelling; and
WHEREAS, the proposed initiative does not provide a mechanism requiring the State of Wyoming to replace property tax revenues lost by community colleges and other local governmental entities as a result of the exemption; and
WHEREAS, the Wyoming Legislature has enacted several property tax relief measures in recent years in response to concerns regarding increasing residential property values and the resulting financial burden on Wyoming homeowners; and
WHEREAS, residential property represents a significant portion of the assessed valuation in
Natrona County, accounting for approximately 41 percent of the County’s assessed value based upon 2025 data; and
WHEREAS, based upon current assessed valuations and existing property tax exemptions, Casper College estimates that implementation of Proposition Number One would reduce annual local property tax revenues to the College by approximately up to $2 million; and
WHEREAS, Casper College relies upon local property tax revenues to support instruction, student services, workforce education, academic programs, facilities, technology, and other programs and services benefiting students, employers, and the residents of Natrona County; and
WHEREAS, approximately 78 percent of Casper College’s budget supports College operations, meaning significant reductions in recurring revenue could affect the College’s ability to maintain current levels of programming, services, staffing, facilities, and educational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Casper College recognizes and respects the financial pressures that rising property values and property taxes have placed upon Wyoming homeowners and recognizes the importance of meaningful and sustainable property tax relief; and
WHEREAS, the Casper College District Board of Trustees believes it has a responsibility to inform the citizens of Natrona County about significant changes in public policy that could materially affect the financial resources available to the College and, consequently, the educational programs and services provided to the community;
Trustee Action and Community Commitment
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Casper College District Board of Trustees hereby notifies the citizens of Natrona County that implementation of Proposed Initiative Proposition Number One, without sufficient replacement or alternative funding, would reduce local revenues available to Casper College and could require corresponding reductions or adjustments in the programs, services, staffing, and educational opportunities provided by the College; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Casper College District Board of Trustees supports the continued examination of sustainable approaches to property tax relief that consider both the financial needs of Wyoming homeowners and the long-term ability of community colleges and other local entities to provide essential services to their communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Casper College District Board of Trustees remains committed to responsible stewardship of public resources, maintaining affordable access to higher education, responding to the workforce needs of Natrona County and Wyoming, and providing transparent information to the citizens it serves.
ADOPTED by the Casper College District Board of Trustees this 20th day of October 2026.
Signed:
David Applegate, Chair, Casper College District Board of Trustees
Jay Swedberg, Secretary, Casper College District Board of Trustees
The resolution was unanimously approved by the attending trustees, including Applegate; Dale Bohren, treasurer; Swedberg; and Brad Cundy, trustee. Todd Milliken, vice chair, and Kim Byrd, trustee, were absent.
At a Glance:
- News Focus
- Formal resolution adopted by the Casper College District Board of Trustees regarding Proposed Initiative Proposition Number One
- Institutional analysis of fiscal impacts resulting from the proposed 50 percent residential property tax exemption
- Key Participants
- Casper College District Board of Trustees
- David Applegate, Chair
- Dr. Jay Swedberg, Secretary
- Dale Bohren, Treasurer
- Brad Cundy, Trustee
- Key Takeaways and Statistics
- Residential property represents approximately 41 percent of Natrona County’s assessed valuation based on 2025 data
- Estimated annual revenue reduction to Casper College of up to $2 million
- Operations and instruction comprise approximately 78 percent of the annual college budget
- Initiative lacks a state replacement funding mechanism for community colleges and local government entities
- Board resolution formally notifies citizens of potential service and staffing adjustments while affirming ongoing commitment to responsible public resource stewardship
- Adopted unanimously by all trustees present on Oct. 20, 2026
