Evanston City Council Summary
Week of June 17, 2026
City council approves $36.9 million budget in split vote
City employees to receive 3.4 percent cost of living adjustment
City injects $500,000 into cemetery fund, plans fee increases
Council allocates $136,145 for dispatch fees despite unsigned contract
Water and golf course fees to rise in new fiscal year
Council advances $13 million sixth-penny tax for fire and EMS to November ballot
Council unanimously backs west-end development project
City addresses downtown tree removal and replacement efforts
City council approves $36.9 million budget in split vote
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The Evanston City Council approved a $36.9 million budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year in a split vote following a lengthy debate over fiscal responsibility and employee compensation. The budget, which represents a 2 percent decrease from the previous year, passed despite opposition from within the council concerning dipping into the city's general fund reserves for the first time in a decade to balance the budget amid flat and declining sales tax revenues. Supporters of the budget cited the need to compensate employees fairly, combat inflation and maintain essential city services.
City employees to receive 3.4 percent cost of living adjustment
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Full-time city employees will receive a 3.4 percent cost-of-living adjustment in the upcoming fiscal year to keep pace with inflation and maintain competitive salaries. City Treasurer Trudy Lym noted during the budget hearing that the city will also cover a 5 percent increase in employee health insurance premiums, continuing to pay 91.8 percent of the premium costs. The raises prompted debate about the city's long-term financial health and expanding expenses, but the majority of the council ultimately agreed that retaining an experienced workforce is essential for the community.
City injects $500,000 into cemetery fund, plans fee increases
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The city council approved a budget amendment transferring $500,000 from the general fund to cover a significant operating deficit in the city's cemetery fund. City Treasurer Trudy Lym explained that the cemetery consistently runs at a loss and requires the general fund subsidy to stay afloat. To help address the ongoing shortfall and ensure operational sustainability, city officials announced that cemetery fees will increase in the new fiscal year. Officials noted that despite the planned fee hike, local cemetery costs will remain relatively low compared to the surrounding region.
Council allocates $136,145 for dispatch fees despite unsigned contract
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The city has allocated $136,145 to cover increased dispatch fees to the Uinta County Sheriff's Office, even though a formal contract has not yet been signed. During a budget amendment hearing, concerns were raised about operating without a finalized agreement and assurances were requested that a contract would be finalized before the approximately $500,000 overall fee is paid. Police Chief Mike Vranish confirmed that the contract is currently under review by the county attorney. The council approved placing the funds in a designated line item so they are available once the agreement is officially executed.
Water and golf course fees to rise in new fiscal year
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Residents and visitors will see modest fee increases in certain city services, including water usage and the Purple Sage Municipal Golf Course, under the newly approved fiscal year budget. The city will increase the per-gallon water usage rate for customers who consume more than 10,000 gallons per month, while base rates and usage below that threshold will remain unchanged. Additionally, the city implemented fee increases at the Purple Sage Municipal Golf Course earlier this season to ensure collected revenues align with the operational and maintenance requirements of the facilities. Specific dollar amounts and percentages for the rate increases were not immediately available.
Council advances $13 million sixth-penny tax for fire and EMS to November ballot
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Voters will decide this November whether to approve a $13 million specific-purpose tax to fund Uinta County Fire and Ambulance services after the city council approved a resolution to support placing the measure on the countywide ballot. Chief Administrative Officer Eric Quinney informed the council that inflation and a decline in mineral revenues have severely restricted the agency's ability to purchase new emergency vehicles and communication equipment. The resolution passed in a split vote, with opposition citing concerns that residents are already burdened by taxes and suggesting the measure might fail in the current economic climate, despite acknowledging the importance of the life-saving services.
Council unanimously backs west-end development project
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The city council unanimously approved a formal letter of support for a proposed development on the west end of Evanston. Community Development Director Rocco O'Neill requested the letter, explaining that the development team is currently seeking development partners and needs to demonstrate that the local government is pro-business and supports their vision for the property. Council members enthusiastically backed the measure, expressing hope that the developers will secure the necessary partnerships to move the project forward. Specific details identifying the developer, the nature of the development, and the exact location were not immediately disclosed.
City addresses downtown tree removal and replacement efforts
EVANSTON, Wyo. — In response to resident concerns during public comment about large dead trees being removed along Main Street, city officials clarified that the removals are part of an ongoing downtown revitalization effort. The Community Development Department noted that the project involves replacing the dead trees with species better suited to the downtown environment.
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