City officials report nearly $100,000 drop in sales tax revenue

Council advances 3 percent franchise fee ordinances for telecom companies

$3 million loan for Teton water tank rehabilitation fails to gain support

Council awards $2.86 million contract for Indian Hills Drive reconstruction

Council approves power installation for future RV dump in split vote

Council approves electrical agreement for BMX track expansion

City subsidizes regional air service with $66,000 allocation

Council rejects Homeland Security grant for license plate readers following public outcry

1. City officials report nearly $100,000 drop in sales tax revenue

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — City officials announced a concerning dip in recent sales tax revenues, noting the city collected approximately $772,000 in the most recent cycle, which is roughly $98,000 less than the same time last year. The shortfall was attributed to a broader national trend of decreased spending on ongoing projects rather than local economic failures. Officials remain hopeful that the summer tourist season will help bridge the gap in revenue.

2. Council advances 3 percent franchise fee ordinances for telecom companies

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River City Council unanimously approved the first reading of two ordinances that will establish a 3 percent franchise fee for telecommunications companies utilizing the city's rights-of-way. The first ordinance renews an expired agreement with Qwest Corporation, now operating under CenturyLink/Lumen, while the second establishes a brand-new agreement with Visionary Communications LLC, which will generate a new revenue stream for the city.

3. $3 million loan for Teton water tank rehabilitation fails to gain support

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A resolution to accept a $3 million loan from the Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board for the rehabilitation of the Teton water tank died after failing to receive a second from the Green River City Council. Public Works Director Mark Westenskow noted the 50-year-old steel tank requires immediate rehabilitation to extend its life by 20 years, a move estimated to cost significantly less than the $4 million price tag of building a new tank. The council expressed hesitation over borrowing the maximum $3 million amount before receiving a finalized engineering proposal or exact construction costs, ultimately letting the motion die without a vote.

4. Council awards $2.86 million contract for Indian Hills Drive reconstruction

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River City Council unanimously awarded a $2,862,636 bid to Wylie Construction for the complete reconstruction and utility improvement of Indian Hills Drive. The project, funded by the Sixth Penny special purpose sales tax approved by voters in 2022, will include replacing the water main, upgrading storm drains and narrowing the roadway to install pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and planter strips. Initial water line work is expected to begin this fall before winterizing the site, with full paving and road reconstruction slated for the summer of 2027.

5. Council approves power installation for future RV dump in split vote

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — In a tight 4-3 decision, the Green River City Council approved a $7,300 general service contract with Rocky Mountain Power to install an electrical pole at the future site of a new recreational vehicle dump near Stratton Myers Park. Proponents of the move argued the current facility near the wastewater plant is aging, lacks capacity, and occasionally causes biological shocks to the treatment plant's system due to the sudden influx of concentrated RV waste. However, dissenting officials argued the current facility is still functional and the city should hold off on the expense until the relocation is absolutely necessary.

6. Council approves electrical agreement for BMX track expansion

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River City Council unanimously approved a five-year memorandum of understanding with Southwest Wyoming BMX for the installation of permanent electrical service at the Green River Bike Park near Stratton Myers Park. Under the agreement, the volunteer-led BMX organization will pay for the initial installation and cover the ongoing monthly utility bills, estimated at a minimum of $50, to power their starting gates and computer systems during events. Officials praised the group for their efforts in beautifying and managing the previously neglected park area.

7. City subsidizes regional air service with $66,000 allocation

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the Wyoming Commercial Air Service Improvement Plan, agreeing to pay approximately $66,000 to help subsidize commercial flights at the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport. The city pays 22 percent of the local funding match — with Sweetwater County and the City of Rock Springs paying the remaining local portions — to ensure SkyWest Airlines meets its guaranteed minimums to continue servicing the region. The cost, which saw a slight increase this year due to fuel prices, was already accounted for in the city's current budget.

8. Council rejects Homeland Security grant for license plate readers following public outcry

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Following intense pushback from residents citing privacy concerns, the Green River City Council rejected a $111,956 Wyoming Office of Homeland Security grant intended to fund automated license plate readers. Green River Police Chief Shawn Sturlaugson argued the cameras would strictly be used reactively to locate vehicles entered into the National Crime Information Center system, such as those linked to missing children or wanted suspects. However, residents raised alarms over the potential for warrantless surveillance, future maintenance costs, and expressed fears regarding data storage practices by the named third-party vendor, Motorola. A motion to table the item for a future public workshop died for lack of a second, and a subsequent motion to approve the grant was unanimously defeated by the council.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us