Western’s board of trustees: Initiative 1 would reduce revenues to college
ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — Taking a proactive approach, Western Wyoming College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution which outlines the negative effects Initiative 1 would have on the college if voters choose to vote in favor of it in November.
Initiative 1, which will be on the 2026 General Election ballot, proposes to cut property taxes by 50%.
The trustees during their regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10, said it was important that they inform the public of the financial impact Initiative 1 would have on the college if passed.
“We want to be upfront about what the impacts would be,” Board President Jim Jessen said following the vote.
In the resolution, it is noted that “further reductions in property tax revenue without adequate backfill or replacement revenue would further weaken an important source of local funding for community colleges and would constrain the ability of locally-elected community college trustees to plan responsibly, respond to workforce needs, and establish priorities based upon the needs of the communities they serve.”
Other anticipated results the college expects if the proposition passes include reductions in expenditures, programming, student services, staffing, and/or other college operations.
Western Wyoming College President Kirk Young said the college is actively working to educate the public about Initiative 1 “so people are fully aware of the impact on the college.”
Trustee Ken Lorimer also included a piece of information.
“I pay property taxes, too,” he said, noting nobody likes taxes.
However, he added, “For every $1 I pay, I get $13 back (in benefits and services). We have an excellent institution here ... the dollars are wisely spent. I hope the voting public realizes that.”
Property tax revenue funding enables community colleges to provide affordable higher education, workforce training, student support, and essential community services. Western Wyoming College’s service area includes Carbon, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, and Uinta counties.
This story was published on Sept. 16, 2026.
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