SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. – Voters in the Sweetwater County Conservation District (SWCCD) will decide on a proposed mill levy of up to ¼ mill in the November 3, 2026, general election.

If approved, the levy would establish a locally generated funding source specifically for conservation district activities. The levy revenue would support conservation services, aid for landowners and community partners, conservation projects, and other natural resource initiatives permitted under Wyoming law.

Henry Dwight Bliss, SWCCD District Board Supervisor, explained that the November ballot will ask voters in the Sweetwater County Conservation District whether to approve a mill levy of up to one-quarter mill. He emphasized the importance of helping voters understand the proposal, how the levy would be calculated, and how the revenue could be used if it passes.

SWCCD is a locally governed conservation district established by Wyoming Statute that collaborates with landowners, communities, and various partners to address priorities related to soil, water, rangeland, and other natural resources within Sweetwater County.

Many conservation efforts rely on a mix of local resources, grants, partnerships, and state or federal government programs. Local funding helps SWCCD develop projects, secure additional funds, meet matching requirements when needed, and manage grant-funded activities.

Nonetheless, dependence on external funding remains uncertain.

If approved, additional mill levy revenue could support the people, planning, technical expertise, partnerships, and project coordination needed to:

• Provide conservation planning and technical assistance to landowners.
• Develop and coordinate soil, water, rangeland, and other natural resource projects.
• Work with landowners and community partners.
• Pursue and administer grants and cost-share opportunities.
• Partner with local, state, and federal organizations.
• Respond to emerging natural resource needs.
• Represent Sweetwater County interests in regional and federal natural resource planning.

Sweetwater County’s natural resource needs are evolving, driving up costs for SWCCD’s services. The district relies largely on County funding, but establishing a local funding source could increase revenue and provide greater flexibility for conservation initiatives.

Proposed Mill Levy

The proposed mill levy is limited to ¼ mill, which equates to $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value, since one mill equals $0.25 per $1,000.

Assessed property value, distinct from market value, is used to determine property taxes. The specific costs vary based on the assessed value and the applicable mill levy.

The proposed mill levy at a glance:

If approved, the mill levy will be about $4.75 annually for every $200,000 of the home’s assessed value.

If approved, the mill levy revenue will be allocated to a dedicated conservation district fund and used for purposes permitted by Wyoming’s Conservation Districts Law. SWCCD will remain governed by its locally elected Board of Supervisors, which sets priorities aligned with Sweetwater County’s natural resource needs.

If the mill levy passes, voters will have the option of renewing it every 4 years until it is rejected.

For more details about SWCCD and the proposed mill levy, please visit: SWCCD Mill Levy Information

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