Green River local news summary

Council approves contested $200,000 change order for wastewater plant in split vote

City hires new firm to manage investments, citing poor performance of state pool

Riverside Park pathway project receives new, more favorable grant

$55,000 tree pruning contract approved, funded entirely by state grant

Chamber of commerce reports strong visitor season, announces free business training

Assessor warns of potential 'nightmare' property tax legislation

Commission approves sale of county building on Flaming Gorge Way

Grant secured for dust suppression on 76 miles of county roads

Housing aid dominates block grant allocations

Council approves contested $200,000 change order for wastewater plant in split vote

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River City Council approved a contested $200,000 change order for the new wastewater treatment plant in a 4-2 vote Tuesday. The payment to Bodell Construction is a negotiated settlement to cover additional contractor costs incurred from project delays, which Public Works Director Mark West attributed to nationwide supply chain issues with major electrical equipment. Council members Sherry Maser and Gary Killpack voted against the measure, questioning why the city should cover costs for delays beyond its control. Maser cited recent public concern over spending and said she was representing the voices of constituents. West stated the total change orders for the $51 million project remain at approximately 1.5 percent, well below the city’s planned 5 percent contingency.

City hires new firm to manage investments, citing poor performance of state pool

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The city council unanimously approved an agreement with Morton Asset Management to oversee a portion of the city’s investments, replacing the state-managed Wyo-Star investment pool. City Treasurer Chris Meats said the switch was necessary because Wyo-Star has been the city’s lowest-performing investment and has become difficult to withdraw funds from promptly. Morton Asset Management, which works with nearly 60 other Wyoming municipalities, will manage a portfolio of short- and long-term investments designed to provide better liquidity and returns for the city.

Riverside Park pathway project receives new, more favorable grant

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A project to rebuild pathways and add lighting in Riverside Park is moving forward after the council approved a new grant agreement with the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Public Works Director Mark West announced the city secured a Transportation Alternatives Program grant that covers 90 percent of project costs up to $1 million. This replaces a previous grant that had a less favorable 80-20 cost share and a $500,000 cap. The city’s required matching contribution will remain the same while the project scope doubles. Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2027.

$55,000 tree pruning contract approved, funded entirely by state grant

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A $55,422 contract with Laramie-based Tiger Tree Inc. for tree pruning, removal and stump grinding was unanimously approved by the council. The work will take place in several city parks and the cemetery. In response to a question from Councilman Mike Williams about performing the work in-house, Parks and Recreation Director Katie Duncan explained that the project is entirely funded by a Wyoming State Forestry grant which requires a certified arborist to perform the work. Duncan also noted the city does not have the proper equipment for safely removing large trees.

Chamber of commerce reports strong visitor season, announces free business training

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River Chamber of Commerce experienced a busy summer visitor season, partly due to wildfires in northern Wyoming pushing tourists to the area, Chamber CEO Lisa Herrera reported to the council Tuesday. Herrera also announced that an upcoming “Tactical Leadership” business training on Dec. 8 will now be free for the first 20 attendees. The Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its 10th annual Holly Business Showcase this weekend, which is sold out with vendors, and noted its “Adopt-A-Tree” holiday lighting program is nearly sold out.

Assessor warns of potential 'nightmare' property tax legislation

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Sweetwater County Assessor Dave Divis briefed the commission on several draft bills currently before the state revenue committee, expressing deep concern over 26 LSO 101. This proposed bill seeks to switch property tax assessments to an acquisition value model, rolling back values to 2019-2020 levels and applying an inflation factor. Divis told commissioners that retroactive valuation verification is "physically impossible" to complete in one year and described the potential legislation as a "huge nightmare" for his office. Divis also highlighted a separate proposal that would exempt the first $200,000 of residential value in 2026, replacing the revenue with a 2 percent sales tax increase.

Commission approves sale of county building on Flaming Gorge Way

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. , Wyo. - The commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the sale of the county-owned facility located at 115 E. Flaming Gorge Way. Public Works Director Gene Legerski stated that the transaction is the culmination of a consolidation plan dating back to 2017. While specific financial details of the sale were not discussed during the open session, Legerski indicated that title work is complete, and the closing is scheduled for Friday. The resolution allows Chairman Keaton West to sign all necessary closing documents to finalize the transfer of the property to the new owners.

Grant secured for dust suppression on 76 miles of county roads

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. . - Sweetwater County accepted a $441,855 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant from the Wyoming Department of Transportation to apply magnesium chloride dust suppressant. Grants Manager Christina Marshall reported that the project will cover 76.82 miles of county roads to improve safety and air quality in areas affected by industrial development. The county is responsible for a 20 percent cash match totaling $88,371, which was already included in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Public Works Director Gene Legerski noted this is the first time in recent years the county has received the full funding amount requested.

Housing aid dominates block grant allocations

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - The commission approved the distribution of $245,132 in federal Community Services Block Grant funding to local agencies for fiscal year 2026. Based on recommendations from the Tripartite Board, 46 percent of the funding will be directed toward housing assistance, specifically for emergency rent, deposits and utilities to prevent evictions. Recipients of the pass-through funding include the Sweetwater Family Resource Center, Rock Springs Young at Heart, the YWCA and STAR Transit, which is a new recipient this year providing bus passes to qualified individuals. The grant requires no cash match from the county.

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