There are varying versions of responses to property tax increases across Wyoming. Lincoln County leads the way with the highest rate increase in the past four years, 112.6 percent. Teton County is close behind at 111 percent.

Some counties didn’t experience those drastic changes. Sweetwater was at 19.5 percent and Natrona a 35.7 percent. That’s just a sampling of what is happening across the state.

Some of the solutions include a 50 percent cut, as proposed by the Senate, while the House is working a program of local adjustments. The House has a softer approach and one that is more acceptable in many ways to local governments who are warning that drastic cuts in property taxes will lead to a reduction in services. I have asked our local governments for a list of what goes away.

At the same time, realize that it’s not over as the House and Senate version come together and there will be compromises along the way.

We offered a compromise early as we offered backfill for the cuts to our fire departments and hospital districts. I had the Kemmerer Hospital in mind with that vote as they work to continue to deliver healthcare in a challenging environment. I think there would be wisdom in combining the north and south hospital districts as all would benefit with increased services.