NEWS
CHEYENNE — The Laramie County Fire Authority announced on social media Friday that it has canceled its annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event this year, citing budget limitations tied to property tax revenue reductions.
"We regret to announce that we will not be hosting our annual Trunk-or-Treat event this year due to budget constraints, largely resulting from reductions in property tax revenue," the agency posted on its official Facebook page. "We appreciate our community's understanding as we prioritize available funding toward essential emergency services and operations."
Laramie County Fire Authority Chief Jason Caughey was unavailable for an interview prior to publication. However, per comments Caughey made in an interview with Jason Caughey Cowboy State Daily, candy for the annual event is donated, but overall district costs include staff pay for firefighters who would be working at the event. Caughey noted the multi-year event provides an opportunity for personnel to engage with the public, distribute reflective safety gear, and educate residents on fire district operations. He added that fire department personnel will still be present at the county-wide trunk-or-treat held at the Archer Complex.
A review of Chief Caughey’s personal Facebook page revealed multiple posts dating back to October 5 expressing opposition to Proposition 1.
The fire authority's announcement drew criticism online and from state lawmakers, who pointed to the timing of the cancellation ahead of the upcoming election involving Proposition 1, a ballot initiative proposing further residential property tax reductions. Additionally, other local agencies are moving forward with their Halloween events.
Hours after the Laramie County Fire Authority's post, Laramie County Fire District No. 1 posted that its annual Trunk-or-Treat event remains scheduled for October 30. Fire District No. 1 noted in their announcement that the event is operated entirely on a donation and volunteer basis, using no taxpayer funds. Similarly, Cheyenne Fire Rescue announced that their event, sponsored by IAFF Local 279, will also continue as planned.
Wyoming House Representative Ann Lucas (R-Cheyenne) questioned the allocation of government funds for community social events.
"I don't think tax dollars should be used for parties, especially when local governments are complaining about future tax cuts," Lucas said. "Halloween parties seem small but it's the entitled mentality, that they are supposed to get taxpayer dollars and spend it on anything they want to. [sic] All the while Laramie County families are scrimping to pay the bills. The government owns nothing. Every penny they spend is YOUR tax money."
Addressing the timing of the decision and the department's statement, Lucas esuggested political optics played a role in the cancellation.
"I think they may have been reminded of the optics—having a publicly funded recreational event, when the important message to be sent is how much local services will be hurt when Prop 1 is passed," she stated. "They were likely instructed to cancel. I doubt that the 25% cut affected the budget to this degree, especially since they probably didn't cancel this last year and the cut was in place then. This is all panic theater. And they're counting on the public not realizing we are in our second year of residential tax cuts. And the total cut was less this year than last. Panic theater."
Representative Lucas also expressed concern over how local agency budget messaging affects voters.
"I am disappointed that our local governments are so manipulative as to continue threatening or implying threats to our most needed government services—first responders," Lucas said. "The County is hoping that citizens will think if they can't even afford Tootsie Rolls, they're going to lay off police and firefighters for sure. I am concerned that instead of cutting spending, as we know they can, that they will play these theatrical games with our taxpayers. They should be ashamed."
Wyoming House Representative Tom Kelly (R-Sheridan), echoed concerns regarding the use of taxpayer funds for non-essential events and criticizing the messaging surrounding the cancellation.
"No money allocated for emergency services should be used for parties," Kelly said. "That said, if a local community wants their tax money to fund a Halloween party, that's their decision. My issue is with the public announcement that due to property tax cuts, the kids' party was canceled. That's emotional manipulation intended to get more 'no' votes on Prop 1."
He pointed to the timing of the announcement relative to early voting, and suggested alternative solutions could have been pursued.
"I won't speculate on the scheduling or prior knowledge of whether or not there were available funds," Kelly stated. "But the timing of putting up a bright holiday graphic on social media deriding property tax cuts just as we start voting on property tax cuts is pretty clear. It's an attempt to influence the vote, not merely inform the community. Whoever was in charge of this could just as easily posted earlier a call for donations to make sure the funds were there for the trunk or treat. If it means that much to the people of a community, they'll step up and make sure it happens."
Looking ahead to the potential impact of property tax reform, Representative Kelly expressed concern over how local authorities might respond if voters approve the ballot measure.
"My overall concern is that this is a preview of what's to come if the exemption passes, punitive actions by local officials to maximize the negative effects on voters," He continued, "I also wouldn't vote for let alone trust local officials who are promising either tax hikes in other areas or cutting essential services as the only options if the exemption passes. Honest candidates with integrity absolutely have valid arguments to oppose Prop 1, such as the one-size-fits-all nature or the fact that we still don't know the full effects of other exemptions. Those are real concerns. But taking it out on the kids? Not acceptable."
This is not the first time Laramie County emergency response personnel have mobilized surrounding property tax legislation. During state legislative debates over Senate File 69, local fire departments encircled the Wyoming State Capitol building with firetrucks. Uniformed firemen maintained a persistent presence inside both the Senate and House chambers for the duration of the debate, attending every session in which the bill was brought to the floor. The Laramie County Fire Departments have long engaged in political behavior.