Council raises concerns over county jail and dispatch fee increases

Police department sees overtime spike due to staffing shortages

Visionary Communications franchise agreement advances despite pushback

City Council approves liquor license for new restaurant Food Almighty

Accessory dwelling unit ordinance passes final reading

Engineering approved for FY 2026 pedestrian sidewalk project

Three council members appointed to city golf course advisory board

Council receives bleak update on parks and recreation mill levy bill

Evanston car show cleared for return ahead of 12th annual event

Council raises concerns over county jail and dispatch fee increases

EVANSTON, Wyo. - The Evanston City Council expressed frustration Tuesday over what members described as sudden cost increases from Uinta County for prisoner housing and dispatch fees. It was noted during the financial report that dispatch fees are already at 112 percent of the budget with five months remaining in the fiscal year. Police Chief Mike Vranish explained that the county raised jail fees to $120 a day and instituted a new billing cycle that effectively doubles the cost to $240 for overnight stays. City officials are currently attempting to schedule a meeting with Sheriff Andy Kopp to resolve the billing dispute.

Police department sees overtime spike due to staffing shortages

EVANSTON, Wyo. - Evanston's police patrol overtime budget has exceeded its annual limit, hitting $67,366 against a $65,000 budget. Police Chief Mike Vranish attributed the overage to being down three officers — with two vacancies and one recruit in the academy — requiring current staff to work extra shifts to maintain minimum manpower requirements. Despite the overtime spike, Vranish assured the council that the department's overall budget remains healthy, as the city is saving money on regular wages for the vacant positions. A portion of the overtime costs will also be reimbursed through state highway safety grants.

Visionary Communications franchise agreement advances despite pushback

EVANSTON, Wyo. - An ordinance granting Visionary Communications a telecommunications franchise advanced on its second reading Tuesday, despite a split vote and heated debate over procedure and consultant fees. Councilmember Jen Hegeman opposed the measure, expressing frustration that a dedicated work session was not held to discuss the 3 percent franchise fee and the $5,045 paid to outside consultant River Oaks Communications. City Attorney Mark Harris clarified that no official work session had been previously requested and defended the consultant's role as an advocate for the city. The council agreed to discuss the agreement in depth at an upcoming work session before holding the final vote.

City Council approves liquor license for new restaurant Food Almighty

EVANSTON, Wyo. - A new restaurant is one step closer to opening after the Evanston City Council unanimously approved a restaurant liquor license for Food Almighty Inc. The new establishment will be located at 1969 Harrison Drive, the site of the former J B's Restaurant. Officials praised the owners for their extensive plumbing and renovation work, noting that the project will transform a previously vacant building into a vibrant community asset.

Accessory dwelling unit ordinance passes final reading

EVANSTON, Wyo. - The Evanston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on its third and final reading to amend zoning provisions for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The updated ordinance restricts ADU occupancy to no more than one family, strictly defined as persons related by blood, marriage or adoption. However, a recent amendment explicitly allows an employed, non-family member to occupy the unit temporarily or intermittently to provide caretaking services for the primary occupants.

Engineering approved for FY 2026 pedestrian sidewalk project

EVANSTON, Wyo. - The city is moving forward with the pedestrian sidewalk improvement project following the council's approval of an engineering services agreement. The project, funded through a Fiscal Year 2026 state grant, will design a new sidewalk extending from Wyoming Highway 150 up South Ridge toward the recreation center, improving safe pedestrian access. While the engineering and design phase is beginning now under the FY 2026 funding, officials noted that physical construction of the pathway is not expected until 2028.

Three council members appointed to city golf course advisory board

EVANSTON, Wyo. - In an effort to reconstruct the city's golf course advisory board, the Evanston City Council appointed three of its own members to lead the group. Three council members were unanimously approved to serve three-year terms on the board. The newly appointed members' terms will run through January 2029 as the city works to rebuild the advisory committee's internal structure.

Council receives bleak update on parks and recreation mill levy bill

EVANSTON, Wyo. - A proposed state bill that would impact funding for local parks and recreation districts appears likely to fail in the final days of the Wyoming legislative session. City Attorney Mark Harris informed the council that House Bill 127, which relates to a mill levy for parks and recreation, is lingering near the bottom of the general file in the Senate. Officials noted that with 10 bills ahead of it and time running out, the legislation has a high probability of dying before it can be heard on the floor.

Evanston car show cleared for return ahead of 12th annual event

EVANSTON, Wyo. - The Evanston Car Show will return to the city streets this summer following the council's unanimous approval of a street closure request on Tuesday's consent agenda. Event organizers informed the council that the beloved community tradition consistently draws hundreds of classic vehicles and receives overwhelmingly positive feedback. Organizers anticipate an even larger turnout for the 12th annual event scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, on historic Main Street, noting increased interest and confirmed participants traveling from outside the local area.

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