Evanston local news summary

Council Repeals Long-Standing Limit on Liquor License Ownership

“Evanston 2050” Master Plan Moves Forward with Consultant Hire

City Ends Fiscal Year in Strong Financial Position

Police Department Receives Staffing Update, Approves Handgun Sale

Funding Secured for Underage Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Checks

Council Repeals Long-Standing Limit on Liquor License Ownership

EVANSTON - Following a detailed discussion, the council passed Ordinance 256 on its third and final reading, officially repealing the city code that limited any single person or entity to owning just one liquor license. City Attorney Mark Harris explained that the rule was outdated, as the state of Wyoming repealed its similar statute in 2021. Harris clarified that while the old rule was in place, individuals could still control multiple licenses by creating separate corporate entities for each. He argued that the new system provides the council with more direct oversight, as any transfer of an existing license to a new owner requires a public hearing and council approval.

“Evanston 2050” Master Plan Moves Forward with Consultant Hire

EVANSTON - The city is officially moving forward with a comprehensive update to its master plan. The council unanimously approved a professional services agreement with WWC Engineering to guide the creation of the “Evanston 2050” comprehensive master plan. This long-term strategic document will provide a framework for future growth, zoning, infrastructure, and development within the community for decades to come. City staff expressed confidence in the firm's reputation and experience with similar projects across Wyoming.

City Ends Fiscal Year in Strong Financial Position

EVANSTON - Evanston’s finances are in good shape as the fiscal year comes to a close, according to the June revenue and expenditure report approved by the council. A council member highlighted that revenues for the year came in at 113% of projections, while expenditures were held to just 85% of the budgeted amount. The positive financial report indicates healthy city revenues and prudent spending over the past fiscal year.

Police Department Receives Staffing Update, Approves Handgun Sale

EVANSTON - The council approved the sale of a service handgun to resigning police officer Colton Welling, a standard practice for departing officers who wish to purchase their issued firearm. The discussion prompted a question about police department staffing levels. The Police Chief reported that while the department is technically fully staffed, four of its twelve regular patrol officers are currently unavailable for duty due to being at the police academy, in field training, on maternity leave, or out with an injury.

Funding Secured for Underage Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Checks

EVANSTON - The Evanston Police Department will continue its efforts to prevent underage sales of alcohol and tobacco products after the council approved contracts with the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police. The agreements provide state grant funds to pay for the compliance checks, covering the costs of officer time and decoys. This allows the city to enforce state laws and ensure local retailers are verifying the age of customers at no direct cost to local taxpayers.

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