The following Letters to the Editor appeared in the July 29, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.

Create new economic opportunity

Dear Editor

I’ve been searching around Freedom for a 1/2 acre mixed use property to house seven small startup businesses. These are not large-scale or industrial operations, just modest offices that would create a limited number of local jobs.

One of the businesses will handle final programming, assembly, packaging, and shipping of devices whose manufacturing will probably be done in Evanston. With an estimated shipping volume of one million units per year for the next five years, this operation could provide strong justification for upgrading USPS services in Star Valley.

Another venture aims to register up to 100,000 new small “mom and pop” businesses in Wyoming from entrepreneurs across the country. Another will enable these entrepreneurs to sell their products directly, through yet another business that provides secure online merchant transaction processing, enabling those entrepreneurs to put food on the table.

Another that has engineered all of this is focused on privacy technology that protects personal data, reduces fraud, and keeps government out of private affairs. The goal is to help individuals discover, develop, and monetize their God-given talents and abilities rather than being exploited by outsiders, social media, or big businesses.

This vision is the result of a prayer made 35 years ago. It is not funded by large investors, but by roughly 30 friends and families who contributed through small gifts, hard-earned tips, family inheritances, and retirement savings, all given to enable others to rise up.

After more than a year of searching for the right location, we have not found our property.

Many of you are deeply concerned about preserving the way of life you grew up with and protecting your community from outside corruption and conflicting values, but much of that fear stems from disinformation.

Star Valley needs to create new economic opportunity in the area. Without local businesses and jobs for the global market, the youth will continue to leave for greener pastures. Just something for you to think about during your Jackson commute.

Thank’s for listening over the last year.

Warm regards,

David Roland

Lower Taxes

Howdy folks in Star Valley

Last week we looked at the Governor candidates and in my humble opinion Brent Bien is the best candidate to get taxes lowered. When he is elected, he needs some good help in getting our taxes lowered. Who is going to step up and help him. The state legislators are one valuable resource that can present bills, etc to help Brent work on this important matter. In Star Valley we have three state legislators that we need to focus on about getting lower property taxes and taxes in general. I do know that Sen Dockstader, Rep Andrew Bryon and Rep McKay Erickson have done some good work on this issue and we should thank them for that. But is it enough to actually lower our taxes? I believe that much more can be done and needs to be done to lift the burden of these taxes.

Wouldn’t it be nice to achieve the tax goals that Brent Bien has outlined in campaign pledges:

1. lower the sales tax

2. eliminate the fuel tax

3. reduce taxes on agriculture farms and ranches.

4. Eventually eliminate the property tax

We need to talk to our legislators and let them know how we feel and check voting records on taxes.

Another link in this important issue is our local government. Find out how the Lincoln County Commissioner candidates feel about taxes and will they work to get them lowered? The county does rely on tax money coming in for revenue to fund part of the general budget. With this in mind, there are some things that the County Commissioners can do to help lower our taxes.

The last and the most important link in getting a grip on taxes are the citizens. We need to learn the issues and be involved in what is going on in our government. Lets adopt a policy of doing all we can to provide for our own needs and services. We have to make some tough choices when it comes to spending our tax money.

Be sure to vote on August 18th.

Respectfully,

T. Deb Wolfley

Lincoln County Property Taxes: If a Computer Calculates the Value, What Is the Assessor’s Role?

By Amber Hyde

Disclaimer: The following article is protected speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and reflect the author’s opinions based on publicly available, information and legislative proceedings.

Every year, Lincoln County property owners receive a notice telling them the assessed value of their property. That value plays a major role in determining how much property tax each citizen pays. But in today’s computerized world, taxpayers deserve to understand exactly how those values are created.

Lincoln County uses a Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system called RealWare to help determine property values. RealWare is a computerized appraisal platform designed to manage property data, analyze valuation information, and assist the county assessor’s office in determining property values for taxation.

The system uses information such as property characteristics, building size, construction details, age, condition, land information, improvements, and sales data. Those inputs are analyzed through mass appraisal methods to estimate market values across thousands of properties.

This raises an important question:

If a computer system is performing much of the calculation, what role does the Lincoln County Assessor actually play?

The answer is accountability.

The Lincoln County Assessor remains the public official responsible for the assessment process. The assessor’s office is responsible for collecting and verifying property information, maintaining accurate records, analyzing market conditions, and ensuring that property values are fair and equitable.

A computer system does not physically inspect a property, determine whether the information in its database is correct, or know when a mistake has been entered into the system. A CAMA system is only as accurate as the information provided to it.

If a property record contains an incorrect square footage, inaccurate condition rating, missing improvements, or outdated information, the computer will calculate a value based on flawed data. This is why human oversight remains a critical part of the appraisal process.

However, the increasing reliance on computerized valuation systems also creates a need for greater transparency.

When a Lincoln County homeowner receives a significant increase in their property valuation, they deserve to understand why. Was the increase caused by a nearby sale? A change in market conditions? A physical improvement? Or an adjustment created through a computerized valuation model?

Technology can improve efficiency, but efficiency should never come at the expense of accountability.

The assessor’s office is not simply managing a computer program. It is responsible for ensuring that the information entering that system is accurate and that the resulting values are fair.

The question is not whether Lincoln County should use technology. A modern appraisal system is necessary to evaluate thousands of properties efficiently and consistently.

The question is whether taxpayers have enough transparency into the process.

If a computer system helps determine the value of our homes, businesses, and land, citizens deserve to know what information is being used, how those calculations are made, and what human review exists to protect fairness.

Technology should support accountability—not replace it.

To be continued…

Paid for by Amber Hyde