Green River local news summary

Mayor Reports Significant Drop in Sales Tax Revenue

Council Seeks $2.5 Million in Grants for "Flaming Gorge Way Corridor" Project

September Proclaimed Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Amidst Sobering Statistics

Officials Praise Successful Mosquito Abatement Program

Commissioner, State Representative Clash Over Proposal to Eliminate Property Tax

Future of Ambulance Service, Potential for Taxing District, Under Discussion

County Approves Nearly $700,000 in New Vehicle Purchases

Fire Restrictions Extended Amid Dry Conditions

Mayor Reports Significant Drop in Sales Tax Revenue

GREEN RIVER - The city is facing a considerable budget challenge after sales tax revenue for the last quarter came in $787,474 lower than the previous year, Mayor Pete Rust announced at Tuesday’s council meeting. While no immediate action was taken, the substantial decrease in revenue was highlighted as a major concern for the city's finances. The mayor did not elaborate on the potential causes for the decline but emphasized the figure as a point of information for the council and the public.

Council Seeks $2.5 Million in Grants for "Flaming Gorge Way Corridor" Project

GREEN RIVER - The Green River City Council unanimously approved the submission of two major grant applications to fund the design and engineering phase of a "Flaming Gorge Way Corridor" project. The city will request $2 million from the federal Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program and an additional $500,000 from the Wyoming Governor's matching funds grant. According to city staff, the state matching funds are intended to make the federal application more competitive. While no matching funds are required by the federal grant, the total project cost is estimated at $2.5 million.

September Proclaimed Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Amidst Sobering Statistics

GREEN RIVER - Mayor Pete Rust issued a proclamation declaring September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, drawing attention to Wyoming's alarmingly high suicide rate. The proclamation noted that Wyoming ranked fourth in the nation for suicide deaths in 2022, with a rate that has increased by 23.1% over the past 20 years. Citing data that over 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a treatable mental health condition, the proclamation encourages residents to check on the well-being of family and friends and supports local programs aimed at prevention and mental health services.

Officials Praise Successful Mosquito Abatement Program

GREEN RIVER - A noticeably mosquito-free summer in Green River did not go unrecognized at Tuesday’s meeting. Both a citizen during public comment and the City Attorney later in the meeting offered congratulations and thanks for the highly effective mosquito abatement efforts this year. "I haven't seen a mosquito this year," the City Attorney stated, adding that while it may seem like a small thing, it significantly improves residents' quality of life. The praise was directed to the teams responsible for the successful program.

Commissioner, State Representative Clash Over Proposal to Eliminate Property Tax

SWEETWATER COUNTY - A tense exchange unfolded between Commissioner Island Richards and a State Representative regarding a petition to eliminate property taxes in Wyoming. After the representative spoke in support of a public commenter, Commissioner Richards questioned her on the petition she signed, asking what plan the legislature has to replace the county's primary funding source. Richards noted that property taxes fund over 60% of the county budget, paying for essential services like libraries, emergency management, and road maintenance. The representative, stating she signed as a citizen, argued that other revenue sources exist and that cuts could be made, suggesting the petition was aimed at homeowner relief. The debate highlighted the growing friction between state-level tax reduction efforts and the practical funding needs of local governments.

Future of Ambulance Service, Potential for Taxing District, Under Discussion

SWEETWATER COUNTY - Commissioners are beginning to plan for the future of ambulance service in Sweetwater County, with the current contract with the current ambulance service provider set to expire at the end of 2027. Chairman Keaton West reported on a meeting with officials from the ambulance service to discuss long-term funding stability. A key option being considered is the establishment of a special improvement district, which would require voter approval on a future ballot. The county currently provides an annual subsidy of up to $1.8 million for the service. Commissioners expect to hold more in-depth discussions on the matter at an upcoming meeting to determine the best path forward.

County Approves Nearly $700,000 in New Vehicle Purchases

SWEETWATER COUNTY - The commission approved the purchase of ten new vehicles for various county departments, awarding bids totaling $697,544.50. The purchases, which were included in the 2026 capital projects budget, were awarded to Fremont Chevrolet GMC of Riverton and Fremont Motors of Lander. The new fleet vehicles include a Chevy Tahoe and three Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles for the Sheriff's Office, a Ford Escape, four Ram 2500 crew cab pickups for the Road & Bridge department, and a ProMaster cargo van for Facilities Maintenance.

Fire Restrictions Extended Amid Dry Conditions

SWEETWATER COUNTY - Citing ongoing dry conditions, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to extend Stage 1 fire restrictions. The order, which was set to expire on September 3, will now remain in effect until September 17, 2025. County Fire Warden Alan Adams reported that despite recent moisture, fuel levels remain low and other regional agencies, including the BLM, are keeping their restrictions in place indefinitely. The commission will revisit the issue at its next regular meeting.

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