Green River City Council Summary
Week of June 17, 2026
City council approves fiscal year 2027 budget
Council approves wage increases for city employees
Council passes water and sewer rate increases in 5-1 vote
Officials detail financing for $56 million wastewater treatment plant
New wastewater treatment plant fully operational
Residents voice concerns over public works disruptions
Rocky Mountain Power franchise agreement finalized
Green River High School soccer players honored
City council approves fiscal year 2027 budget
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River City Council approved the fiscal year 2027 budget at Tuesday's meeting, navigating flat sales tax revenues by utilizing over $1 million from sinking funds. City Administrator Reed Clevenger noted that while the city received more than $24 million in capital project requests from department heads, only critical items were funded, leaving the general fund with a slim net positive balance of approximately $60,000. Funds pulled from reserves will cover $175,000 for cemetery design, recreation center updates, fire department equipment and police department lease buyouts.
Council approves wage increases for city employees
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The city council approved a resolution adopting the wage schedule for all elected and appointed officials and city employees for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The updated schedule includes a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment and a 1 percent step movement across the board to help combat inflation and prevent wage compaction among different experience levels. The changes were recommended following a previous private consultant rate study that compared Green River's wages to local and state industry standards.
Council passes water and sewer rate increases in 5-1 vote
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Residents will see higher utility bills following the city council's 5-1 approval of the fiscal year 2027 fee schedule, which includes a 7 percent increase for water and an estimated 18 percent increase for sewer services. Councilman Ron Williams cast the lone dissenting vote, citing his long-standing concerns over the utility rate structures. Williams argued the bill increases were unfair to residents, warning that some monthly sewer bills were already approaching $100. Other council members defended the increases, noting the necessity of the infrastructure upgrade to protect the local environment and avoid state penalties.
Officials detail financing for $56 million wastewater treatment plant
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Amid debate over rising sewer rates, city officials highlighted the financial structuring of the recently completed wastewater treatment plant, which cost approximately $56.8 million. Administrators emphasized that despite inflation driving costs up from original estimates, the impact on taxpayers was heavily mitigated by outside funding. The city secured nearly $16.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act grants that do not need to be repaid, alongside a $36 million loan at a 0.25 percent interest rate, with the remaining project costs covered by other city sources. This funding structure is expected to save the city roughly $20 million in interest over the 30-year life of the loan.
New wastewater treatment plant fully operational
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The city's new wastewater treatment plant has been fully operational since October and completely stopped taking waste at the old facility by the end of last year, Public Works Director Mark Westenskow reported. Westenskow noted the plant is performing as intended and recently received its updated permit from the Department of Environmental Quality. The city is now working with the department to develop a funding package to reclaim the old, eight-foot-deep sewage lagoons, a process expected to take several years as the remaining sludge dries and is treated.
Residents voice concerns over public works disruptions
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Two residents addressed the city council regarding property disruptions caused by ongoing city infrastructure projects. One resident reported that high-pressure sewer line cleaning caused sewage to back up into his newly remodeled basement, prompting the city to schedule a meeting with the resident and city engineers. Additionally, Public Works Director Mark Westenskow addressed concerns about dying grass and trees along Riverview Drive, explaining that an irrigation service line was damaged during street repairs. Westenskow assured residents that replacement parts have arrived and will be installed shortly to restore water to the medians.
Rocky Mountain Power franchise agreement finalized
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The city council unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance extending the city's franchise agreement with Rocky Mountain Power. The agreement, which governs the utility company's use of city rights-of-way to provide electrical services, has undergone extensive legal review. Officials noted that the language is now finalized and awaits final binding from Rocky Mountain Power.
Green River High School soccer players honored
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The city council recognized several Green River High School soccer players for achieving 4A All-State honors. Honorees included Isa Vasco, Brookelyn Phillips, Tommy Vasco, Izyk Arellano, Max Hintz and Jake Demaret. The council highlighted the boys' team's standout season, which saw freshman Tommy Vasco break the school's single-season goals record by scoring 29 goals. The council also celebrated senior Isa Vasco, who finished her high school career as a prolific scoring leader, securing back-to-back All-State honors and recording 54 goals in her senior season.
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