Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor and Taxpayers of Crook County:

By now most taxpayers have received letter(s) from the Crook County Assessors office showing the estimated taxes for personal and commercial property for 2019. According to an article published on page twelve of the May 9, 2019 edition of the Sundance Times, taxpayers have been expressing concerns about increases in their taxes to Crook County Assessor Theresa Curren and Legislator Tyler Lindholm.

Towards the end of the article the mill levy funding for the Crook County Senior Services was discussed. To quote Assessor Curren, “Your estimate of taxes is off the last year’s mill levy, that’s a statute we have to go by even though we know there’s going to be an increase because of the new Crook County Services District.” The article goes on to state that after this coming August, the mill levy funding for the Crook County Senior Services District will be reflected on future property tax bills.

So to be clear, the property tax estimated increases on the current tax notices ARE NOT the result of the mill levy recently passed by voters for the Crook County Senior Services District. You will see another increase on your taxes for the one mill levy that was passed. According to figures provided by Crook County Treasurer Mary Kuhl, patrons will be taxed $9.50 per year for every $100,000 of market value of property owned.

As the “baby boomer” and “greatest generation” continues to age, the issue of how to care for these folks is concerning. Studies have concluded that 87 percent of adults aged 65 and older want to stay in their current homes and communities. Statistics have determined that Wyoming will rank second in the United States with the oldest percentage of their population by the year 2025.

Programs provided by Crook County Senior Services can and does support seniors and persons with disabilities to function in their own homes as independently as possible These programs are financed through federal and state grants, donations from towns and citizens and in the future…the mill levy.

Some of the services provided are noon meals served on weekdays at the centers or home delivered meals to clients in need, public transportation in and around the towns in the county and to medical or other appointments in the area, nursing and home care, respite care, housekeeping services and socialization activities at the centers.

Our home services clients are charged nominal fees determined on a sliding fee scale based on the client’s income. These services are confidential.

As we look around our communities we see family members, friends and neighbors who are aging. Facilities to accommodate these folks are in short supply and many have waiting lists. Seniors that are able to remain in their own homes are usually happier and more content. By utilizing these programs many seniors have saved themselves money and experienced fewer issues and worries about every day life.

Crook County Senior Services Board of Directors along with Director Jana McLean, would like to thank the citizens of Crook County for your past and current support and pray for your continued support. If you or someone you know has a need for one or more of these services feel free to call Jana McLean at 283-1711 or stop by the Crook County Senior Services office at 321 East Main Street. She will be happy to help you!

Respectfully,

Linda Peterson

CCSS, Inc. Board President

and CCSS Board of Directors