Council advances $3 million loan application for water tank rehab

Council members question cost of engineering studies

Water rates projected to climb through 2030

City absorbs cost increase for July 4 fireworks

County treasurer reports decline in mineral tax revenue

Senator Kolb discusses gaming regulation and property tax cuts

Business council CEO warns of potential agency dissolution

Commission approves transfer of County Road 87 to town of Superior

County seeks new polling locations for Jamestown and Washam

Slaughter to chair state migration corridor work group

Airport director defends paid parking, touts terminal success

Council advances $3 million loan application for water tank rehab

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River City Council voted Tuesday to authorize a $3 million loan application to the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments for the rehabilitation of the Teton Water Tank. The 1 million-gallon tank, constructed in 1976, serves approximately 4,000 residents on the south side of the city and is showing signs of corrosion and roof deterioration. City Engineer Dustin Romero stated that while the tank remains functional, a recent inspection recommended recoating it within two years to prevent structural failures. If the loan is approved, the city will conduct a feasibility study this fall to determine whether to rehabilitate the existing structure or replace it entirely.

Council members question cost of engineering studies

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — During the public hearing regarding the Teton Tank project, members of the governing body discussed the necessity of the project and raised concerns regarding the costs associated with feasibility studies. A council member questioned the $3 million figure, suggesting that extensive engineering and quality studies might be an unnecessary expense, and asked why the city hadn't acted on previous studies from a decade ago. Staff clarified that the loan amount is a conservative estimate and that a feasibility study is required to ensure the most cost-effective solution—rehabilitation or replacement—is chosen before construction begins in 2027.

Water rates projected to climb through 2030

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — As part of the Teton Tank presentation, City Engineer Dustin Romero unveiled data from a 2025 rate study conducted by NewGen Strategies and Solutions indicating that water bills will rise significantly over the next five years to fund infrastructure projects. The study projects the base water rate will increase from $26 in fiscal year 2026 to roughly $30 by 2030, with usage rates for overage blocks increasing by approximately 7 percent annually. Romero noted that for high-usage households, monthly bills could rise from $56 to nearly $70 by 2030, though it was emphasized that these rates are still considered affordable under state lending guidelines.

City absorbs cost increase for July 4 fireworks

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The City Council approved a contract with Lantis Productions Inc. for the July 4, 2026, fireworks display, agreeing to pay $23,320 despite a budgeted amount of only $20,000. Finance Director Chris Meats explained that tariffs have driven fireworks costs up by over 18 percent, though Lantis offered to absorb half of that increase. The council opted to cover the funding gap using money from the mayor and council's special project funds rather than reducing the show to a shorter, 650-shell display. The approved show will feature 860 shells and last approximately 18 minutes.

County treasurer reports decline in mineral tax revenue

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Sweetwater County Treasurer Mark Cowan presented a revenue update Tuesday, highlighting a significant downtrend in mineral tax collections, which dropped from about $105 million in 2023 to roughly $87 million in 2024 and an estimated $80 million for 2025. Cowan addressed misconceptions that county mineral revenues had "doubled" in 2024, clarifying that a legislative shift to monthly mineral tax payments created a one-time statistical anomaly in how collections appeared on paper rather than a windfall of new cash. While the county faces a potential $678,000 budget shortfall based on current mineral tax projections, Cowan assured the commission that fiscal health remains stable due to effective budgeting and carryover funds.

Senator Kolb discusses gaming regulation and property tax cuts

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — State Sen. John Kolb addressed the commission ahead of the legislative session, identifying local control over gaming permits as a top priority. Kolb stated he hopes to pass legislation giving county commissioners the authority to deny future gaming licenses, a power they currently lack. He also warned of a "race to the bottom" regarding tax policy, expressing concern that proposed 50 percent property tax cuts could devastate special districts and education funding without adequate mechanisms to backfill the lost revenue.

Business council CEO warns of potential agency dissolution

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell appeared virtually to present polling data on public attitudes toward growth, but the discussion shifted to legislative threats to dissolve the agency. Dorrell noted that the Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee recently zeroed out the council's budget, a move that local officials warned would cripple infrastructure and economic-development efforts. Commissioner Island Richards expressed strong support for the agency, stating that without the business council's grant funding and expertise, the county lacks the necessary tools to solve critical housing and infrastructure problems.

Commission approves transfer of County Road 87 to town of Superior

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Following a debate regarding maintenance capabilities and constituent concerns, the commission voted unanimously to transfer ownership of County Road 87, the Upper Superior Road, to the town of Superior. Public Works Director Gene Legerski recommended the transfer, noting the road does not aid the county's overall transportation plan, though commissioners initially considered postponing the vote after receiving last-minute voicemails from residents opposing the move. Superior Mayor Dominic Wolf urged the commission to approve the transfer immediately, arguing the town needs control of the road to promote tourism to the D.O. Clark mine and preserve local history, stating, "I want to keep history alive out there."

County seeks new polling locations for Jamestown and Washam

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — County Clerk Cindy Lane reported an urgent need for new polling locations in Jamestown and Washam after previous venues became unavailable. Lane told commissioners that the Jamestown location is being vacated and the Washam location has been unresponsive, creating critical timeline pressure as advertisements for polling places must begin in April. The county is appealing to the public to identify commercial or community buildings in these precincts that meet Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, specifically requiring paved parking, wide doorways and a separate room with a locking door.

Slaughter to chair state migration corridor work group

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Commissioner Robb Slaughter reported that he has been appointed by Gov. Mark Gordon to chair a new state work-study group focused on the Sublette Pronghorn migration corridor. The group, comprised of commissioners from affected counties and representatives from industry, agriculture and conservation, held its first meeting in Pinedale to review biological risk assessments. Slaughter noted the group faces a compressed schedule to draft recommendations regarding the designation and management of the corridor by late spring.

Airport director defends paid parking, touts terminal success

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport Director Devon Brubaker reported that the new commercial terminal has led to improved customer satisfaction scores and the second-best year for passenger traffic in airport history. Brubaker addressed the implementation of paid parking, noting that 39 percent of vehicles in the lot utilize out-of-county plates, necessitating a user-fee model rather than relying solely on local tax subsidies. Brubaker emphasized the facility's value, estimating that replacing the airport's infrastructure would cost nearly $1 billion today, and characterized the airfield as having the nation's strongest published runway.

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