Bret Fanning, Wyoming Department of Revenue director, and Ken Guille, property tax administrator, discussed Proposition 1 during an appearance on the Weekday Wake-up, emphasizing eligibility requirements and potential revenue losses.

Guille said the exemption would cover only the dwelling, rather than the entire property.

“So it’s the dwelling only, no outbuildings, no land is associated with that 50%,” he said.

Owners would have to occupy the home for at least six months annually and apply each year through their county assessor.

The department estimates a statewide revenue impact of approximately $109 million to $120 million. Guille said the effect would vary depending on each taxing authority’s mix of residential, commercial, mineral and other taxable property.

“So it definitely, definitely will vary by taxing authority,” Guille said.

He cautioned that approving the exemption would not automatically cut a fire district’s or senior district’s revenue in half. That would require its tax base to consist entirely of qualifying owner-occupied dwellings.

“So it wouldn’t be a 50% cut exactly for each authority,” he said.

Fanning said the approximately $93 million fiscal estimate appearing on the ballot represents what the department believes is the school-funding portion. The larger statewide estimate includes additional effects on local taxing authorities.

“That’s the difference where voters really need to be diligent and understand what they’re voting for,” Fanning said.

He urged voters to weigh tax relief against potential effects on services.

“Do they want a reduction in their property taxes, but how does that impact them with their local services?” he said.

Guille clarified that property taxes generally flow through county treasurers to taxing authorities, not the state general fund.

For voters seeking specifics, Fanning recommended contacting local officials about budget effects and said department staff could help explain the figures. His message emphasized diligence before voting.

“There is two sides of this equation,” Fanning said, “and which one fits best for your vote.”