Council member objects to administrator contract extension

State Legislature may shift local funding model

Positive outlook for 'Sixth Penny' tax revenue

Council approves funding for water tank inspections in split vote

Tourism board reports strong returns and future sports facility

FMC Park improvements to alter traffic and access

Events complex reports record impact, warns of facility limitations

Travel and tourism reports strong ROI as lodging tax vote approaches

Commissioners discuss missed economic opportunities in data centers

Commissioners highlight highway patrol shortages impacting county resources

County restarts process for short-term rental regulations

Commissioners defend association membership amid legislative criticism

Council member objects to administrator contract extension

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Councilman Ron Williams stated for the record his opposition to the contract extension for City Administrator Reed Clevenger during council comments, disputing the process of a vote taken at the previous meeting. Williams raised concerns regarding the opportunity for discussion following an executive session and cited dissatisfaction with hiring practices and specific benefits, including a vehicle allowance, bonuses, and golf memberships. During the exchange, the validity of the previous minutes was defended by the council, and it was noted that an absent member would have voted in favor of the extension had they been present.

State Legislature may shift local funding model

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Ryan Rust, the city's government affairs representative, briefed the council on House Bill 107, which has passed the Wyoming House of Representatives and moved to the Wyoming Senate. The bill proposes replacing the current direct distribution of funds to municipalities with a dedicated portion of the statewide sales tax. Rust estimated that at a 7 percent distribution rate, Green River would receive approximately $1.11 million, a slight decrease from the current $1.13 million, though he noted that rising sales tax collections could provide a more stable long-term funding source than the current model.

Positive outlook for 'Sixth Penny' tax revenue

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — During council comments, a council member highlighted a report from Finance Director Chris Meats indicating a potential increase in revenue for Green River from the "Sixth Penny" tax. The discussion credited Ryan Rust and city staff for their work on the issue, suggesting the financial outlook for the city regarding these specific tax distributions is looking positive.

Council approves funding for water tank inspections in split vote

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The council voted 6-1 to approve an amendment to a contract with HDR Engineering Inc., increasing the cost by $37,539 to perform additional inspections on the North Side and Upland water tanks. The additional work includes draining the North Side tank for visual inspection and using ultrasonic thickness testing on the Upland tank to assess corrosion. Councilman Ron Williams voted against the measure after questioning the specific costs for project management and data acquisition, arguing that the itemized expenses seemed high for inspection work that does not include actual repairs.

Tourism board reports strong returns and future sports facility

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Janessa Meredith, chief executive officer of Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism, presented the 2025 annual report, highlighting that the lodging tax is currently collecting just over $1.5 million. Meredith reported that a recent feasibility study indicated Sweetwater County could support a new indoor sports facility, a project she intends to pursue. She also noted that the county has secured bids to host the state 3A and 4A soccer tournaments for 2027 and 2028, events estimated to bring a $3 million economic impact to the local economy.

FMC Park improvements to alter traffic and access

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Katie Duncan, director of parks and recreation, outlined ongoing and future improvements to FMC Park designed to protect vegetation and improve safety. The plan includes consolidating vehicle travel to a single primary access route to the boat ramp and installing buck-and-rail fencing to prevent off-road driving. Future phases involve formalizing equestrian trails and adding a picnic shelter and vault toilet near the Wilkins Peak trail system, though concerns were raised by the council regarding the layout of the upper parking area and the placement of large rocks.

Events complex reports record impact, warns of facility limitations

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Sweetwater Events Complex Director Kandi Pendleton reported a record $31 million economic impact for the county in the past year but warned that aging infrastructure is causing the loss of major events. Pendleton noted that the complex lost the National High School Finals Rodeo, the Escapade Rally and the Royal Crown horse event because the facility lacks a large enough indoor venue and modern amenities to compete with cities like Rapid City, South Dakota. While the complex has secured new events for 2026, including the Cowboy State Incentive, Pendleton and the board emphasized the need for capital investment to retain competitive status in the event market.

Travel and tourism reports strong ROI as lodging tax vote approaches

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism CEO Janessa Meredith presented the 2025 annual report, highlighting a $1.5 million lodging tax collection that generated $77 million in visitor spending. Meredith noted that the lodging tax, which funds marketing efforts to attract visitors, is slated for the general election ballot for renewal in November. The report detailed successful initiatives, including the Flaming Gorge bus tours and the recruitment of state high school sporting events, which generate significant revenue for local hotels and businesses.

Commissioners discuss missed economic opportunities in data centers

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Commissioner Keaton West reported on findings from the legislative session suggesting Sweetwater County is missing out on the booming data center industry due to misconceptions about water usage and hurdles with public utilities. West contrasted Sweetwater County with Cheyenne, which has successfully recruited Microsoft and other data centers by utilizing closed-loop water systems and specific utility tariffs. West argued that the county is well-positioned for such development if it can overcome infrastructure and regulatory gridlock with Rocky Mountain Power.

Commissioners highlight highway patrol shortages impacting county resources

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Commissioners expressed concern that staffing shortages within the Wyoming Highway Patrol are forcing the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office to absorb a significant workload on Interstate 80. The board noted that sheriff's deputies are currently responding to a high volume of calls on the interstate, diverting resources away from local community patrol. Officials urged the state legislature to address trooper pay and funding to fill vacancies, noting that the cost of policing state highways is effectively shifting to county taxpayers.

County restarts process for short-term rental regulations

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The Sweetwater County Commission voted unanimously to restart the planning process for short-term rental regulations, scrapping the current proposal to allow for significant revisions. County Planner Kassidee Brown requested the reset after receiving conflicting feedback from residents, noting that rural areas like Farson favor fewer restrictions for seasonal rentals, while residential neighborhoods in Wamsutter and other areas expressed concerns over enforcement and density. The Planning and Zoning Department will rework the language to potentially differentiate between the growth management area and rural fire districts before readvertising for public comment.

Commissioners defend association membership amid legislative criticism

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Commissioners defended the county's membership in the Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA) against state legislators who have attempted to defund the organization under the guise of stopping taxpayer-funded lobbying. During commissioner comments, the board argued that the WCCA is an essential tool for governance and resource pooling rather than lobbying, while expressing concern over the conduct of some legislators regarding ethics and decorum. Commissioners noted that the association only takes positions on bills when directed by a supermajority of commissioners statewide.

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