Winters gets the nod for assessor

Cozette Winters was appointed last Friday as the new County Assessor. She replaces Gina Anderson who retired the end of 2025. Winters was one of three candidates the Big Horn County GOP submitted to the commissioners for consideration. 

Big Horn County GOP Vice Chair Roxanne Brewer said one applicant applied; that was Winters. Two names were submitted from the floor: Laurie Mikus and Tim Beck. All three met statutory requirements in that they are residents of Big Horn County, own property and are registered voters in the county with the party of the office they are going to replace. 

Winters started in the assessor’s office in 2019 as a deputy assessor. She explained that when Anderson was thinking of retiring, she began thinking it would be something she could do. Winters mentioned it to her family, and they encouraged her to seriously consider it. 

She feels like she has big shoes to fill. While she doesn’t yet have the 19 years of knowledge Anderson had, she wants to serve the people of Big Horn County. She will run for the office in August, when the term expires.  

Winters said, “Thank you to all those who encouraged me and helped me along the way of becoming the assessor. I have enjoyed working with the citizens of Big Horn County for the past 6 1/2 years, and I look forward to continuing serving the citizens of Big Horn County.” 

Anderson said she was pleased Cozette was appointed to fill the position and knows Winters will do a great job. 

Commissioner Bruce Jolley made the motion to appoint Winters. It was seconded by Commissioner Dave Neves. The motion passed unanimously.   Chair Deb Craft congratulated Winters and told her that she is confident in the selection. Winters was sworn in by County Clerk Lori Smallwood. A group of county elected officials and courthouse staff gathered around Winters to congratulate her after the swearing in.