Housing advocacy group Shelter JH and the Teton County Republican Party co-hosted an event last week which offered attendees tacos, drinks and a discussion about property taxes.
Many had to stand as there were no open tables on the bottom floor of the downtown Mexican restaurant KALU.
State Representatives Andrew Byron (R-Hoback) and Liz Storer (D-Jackson) led the discussion and answered questions about the state’s refund programs. Both sit on the state’s revenue committee and helped influence four bills affecting property taxes signed into law during the most recent legislative session.
Teton County Republican Party members, like Alex Muromcew, said their goal for the night was to engage Republicans in the county.
“Registered Republicans are a minority here,” Muromcew said, “and sometimes I think it’s hard for us to get our message out to the rest of the community.”
Mary Martin is the chair of the GOP group.
“You know, property tax affects all of us, whether we own or rent,” Martin said.
At one point, an attendee waved a petition for an initiative that some are trying to get on a future ballot by gathering enough signatures. It would implement a 50% residential property tax exemption.
Teton County has some of the highest median property taxes in the nation. The state’s property tax refund applications are now open at the Wyoming Department of Revenue’s website. Application due dates vary depending on the property tax program you apply for. Refunds will be issued between July and September.
