CASPER, Wyoming – Supporters of the proposed Natrona County Senior Services District are holding a final public forum before the special property tax initiative goes before voters in the Aug. 20 primary election.
The forum will be held on Thursday, August 8, at 6 p.m. at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 E 4th St.
The groups say they hope to raise money for vital services for financially struggling seniors, including the Casper Senior Center and Meals on Wheels.
“For the past five years, we have had to use our cash reserves to keep the senior center afloat,” said Amy Fleming of Central Wyoming Senior Services. “Our reserves are almost depleted.”
“A one per thousand tax would raise about $1.7 million a year, and we might not even fully utilize the tax,” Fleming said. “The cost to taxpayers for the one per thousand tax would be $1.58 a month, or $19 a year for a $200,000 home.”
A mill is one dollar of property tax per $1,000 of assessed value. In Casper, people pay about 72 mills. County government operates on 12 of these. The largest portion, 25 mills, goes to school district operations. County Weed and Pest operates on one mill.
“We are very aware of the current property tax situation. … However, this funding is critical to continuing our services in Natrona County,” Fleming said.
