Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak and Fire Authority Chief Jason Caughey have voiced concerns about Senate File 0069, a bill currently under review in the Wyoming Legislature.
The proposed legislation would grant a 50% property tax exemption for homes valued at up to $1 million, aiming to ease financial burdens on homeowners. However, local officials warn that the measure could severely impact public safety services.
Although Sheriff Kozak and Chief Caughey support tax exemptions in principle, they caution that the proposed bill would create immediate funding challenges for their departments if passed without adjustments.
Chief Caughey explained that the Laramie County Fire Authority’s $3 million budget could face significant cuts.
“If this reduction isn’t adjusted or amended, it’s going to mean job losses—we have 12 full-time employees, and likely we’ll have to reduce that by a quarter or more,” he said.
Sheriff Kozak highlighted similar concerns for the Sheriff’s Office, which could face a $2 million budget reduction. This would potentially lead to the elimination of 25 positions and the scaling back of critical services such as School Resource Deputies, the Juvenile Crisis Center, and mental health counseling programs.
“Let’s look at other ways to cut property taxes while keeping law enforcement and fire departments whole so we can continue doing the good work we’re doing,” Kozak urged.
Both officials are encouraging residents to review the potential impacts of SF0069 and communicate their concerns to local legislators. Chief Caughey emphasized that rural departments face unique challenges compared to municipalities and counties.
“We don’t have the same revenue streams as larger government entities,” he explained.
The Sheriff’s Office and Fire Authority are calling on residents who support their services to advocate for solutions that maintain essential public safety operations.
As of February 10, SF0069 remains on the General File in the 2025 Legislative Session. While the bill has garnered support from some lawmakers, concerns persist across the state. County commissioners, public safety agencies, and education advocates warn that the legislation could lead to revenue losses without sustainable funding replacements.
Despite outreach efforts, local legislators have yet to release statements regarding the concerns raised by Laramie County agencies. The outcome of SF0069 remains a pivotal topic for both lawmakers and communities reliant on property tax-funded services.
Local officials continue to urge residents to engage with their representatives as discussions over property tax reform unfold.
With input from Wyoming News Now, Bigfoot99 Radio, and Cowboy State Daily.
