Assessor outlines 2026 changes to homeowner exemptions, applications open Oct. 1

The county assessor briefed the Weston County Board of Commissioners on changes to property tax relief programs that affect 2026 assessments. The assessor said the long-term homeowners exemption will again be available for tax year 2026 but that the application will not open until Oct. 1.

The assessor said state legislators had passed a provision that gave a 25% reduction for every residential structure and associated land (up to 35 acres) for tax year 2025; that 25% reduction was applied automatically for 2025. For 2026, the assessor said the reduction will require an owner-occupied residence and applicants must submit a form beginning Oct. 1. "The bill reads that for 2026, it has to be an owner occupied residence," the assessor said.

The assessor also described a separate long-term homeowners exemption (a different program referenced in the discussion) that requires ownership as of Jan. 1 and has a deadline of May 27 for submission; veterans’ applications follow the same May 27 cutoff. The assessor said a draft bill to repeal the sunset date on the long-term homeowners program is moving through the joint revenue committee at the state level and its ultimate status will be resolved during the legislative session.

The assessor said county staff will offer a laptop station in the assessor’s office to help residents who lack internet access complete the online application once it opens; the county will also provide informational materials and pursue outreach options, including the public library, if arrangements are possible.

The assessor noted operational items including an unexpected truck repair estimate of about $1,600 for a transfer-case part and announced that deputy assessor Stephanie Deerfield will resign at month’s end after 10 years of service; the assessor said recruitment will begin in October.