Green River City Council Summary
Week of March 18, 2026
New state tax formula expected to boost city revenue by $150,000
Proposed property tax initiative could cost city $336,000 annually
City avoids major revenue losses after key bills fail in Legislature
City gains permitting authority over local simulcast gambling
Planning and zoning explores unified building codes for Green River and county
Rocky Mountain Power franchise extension passes first reading amid negotiations
Council approves $110,000 upgrade for police body cameras
Council honors Green River High School state champion athletes and coaches
Council issues traffic alert for Flaming Gorge tunnel closures
New state tax formula expected to boost city revenue by $150,000
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A new state law changing how Wyoming shares sales tax revenue with local governments is expected to bring an estimated $150,000 in additional annual revenue to the city. City Public Affairs and Grants Manager Ryan Rust told the city council that House Bill 107, passed during the 2026 legislative session, is intended to make local government distributions more consistent by tying them to a set share of statewide sales and use tax collections. Rust said the formula is designed to help smaller and lower-income counties, but Green River is still expected to benefit financially from a steadier funding mechanism.
Proposed property tax initiative could cost city $336,000 annually
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — City officials are bracing for tight budgets if a proposed property tax ballot initiative cutting residential property taxes by 50 percent passes in the upcoming general election. City Public Affairs and Grants Manager Ryan Rust said the measure would reduce Green River revenue by about $336,000 a year based on current assessments. Rust also warned the city council that partner agencies — including Sweetwater County, local fire districts and a local hospital district — could see significant impacts if the measure is approved.
City avoids major revenue losses after key bills fail in Legislature
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Green River avoided major financial hits during the recent legislative session after state lawmakers defeated several bills that would have eliminated key municipal funding sources, City Public Affairs and Grants Manager Ryan Rust said. Rust told the city council that proposals affecting residential property tax collections and a measure that would have required repeated voter approval for the recreation mill levy did not pass, preserving those revenue streams for the city.
City gains permitting authority over local simulcast gambling
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The city council will now have greater control over historic horse racing terminals and parimutuel wagering businesses operating within city limits following the passage of new state legislation. The law requires gaming operators to secure a local permit in addition to approval from the Wyoming Gaming Commission before opening. The new rules allow municipal governments to set operating hours, dictate locations, limit the number of terminals and revoke permits if businesses fail to comply with local standards.
Planning and zoning explores unified building codes for Green River and county
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Green River may soon see unified building codes aligned with Sweetwater County standards. City officials reported that the Green River Planning and Zoning Commission is evaluating a process to unify building codes to streamline regulations across the region, with the group expected to return to the city council with more information as the review continues.
Rocky Mountain Power franchise extension passes first reading amid negotiations
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — An ordinance extending the Rocky Mountain Power franchise agreement advanced as city officials continue negotiations tied to updating the franchise arrangement. The city council moved the ordinance forward while talks continued, signaling ongoing efforts to finalize the municipal code change and related agreement terms.
Council approves $110,000 upgrade for police body cameras
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River Police Department will upgrade its body-worn cameras after the city council unanimously approved a $110,039 agreement with Motorola Solutions, a telecommunications and video equipment company. The five-year contract includes new V700 cameras to replace older V300 models, as well as licensing fees and upgrades to the department's digital evidence management system. City officials said the department already pays roughly $16,000 annually in user fees and that the added cost will be absorbed in the existing budget.
Council honors Green River High School state champion athletes and coaches
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Local athletes and coaches from Green River High School were recognized for state-level achievements during the meeting's opening presentations. The city council honored state champion wrestlers Bentley Johnson and Bianca Maez, and also recognized the boys' state champion 200-yard medley swimming relay team of Sam Dockter, Mitchell Horn, Aiden Neher and Colin Lee. The city additionally recognized girls wrestling coach Clayton Wright and retiring boys swimming coach Colleen Seiloff for years of service.
Council issues traffic alert for Flaming Gorge tunnel closures
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Residents planning to travel near the Flaming Gorge Reservoir early next week should prepare for delays. City officials advised the community that the Flaming Gorge tunnels will be closed from Monday, March 23, through Wednesday, March 25, for maintenance. Travelers heading in that direction are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
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