Council approves utility truck purchase in 4-1 split vote

Council awards $156,000 bid for new water department backhoe

Police secure $6,000 used cruiser to replace busted SUV

Black Hills Energy Foundation fully funds pool boiler replacement

City keeps 2026 municipal pool rates flat

Well 16 project substantially complete, awaits backup generator

Major reconstruction project begins on East D Street

Superintendent Dana Youtz appointed to MEAN board of directors

Council approves utility truck purchase in 4-1 split vote

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — A bid to purchase a new utility truck for the city's Water and Wastewater Department passed in a 4-1 split vote Tuesday, sparking a brief debate over fiscal responsibility. The $74,630 purchase from Wheatland-based Laramie Peak Motors faced pushback during the meeting, with concerns raised that it was a "want, not a need" amid declining property tax revenues. However, the purchase was defended with notes that it is fully funded by the utility department — which is required by state law to financially sustain itself — and that the department's older vehicle will be repurposed to serve the general fund.

Council awards $156,000 bid for new water department backhoe

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The council unanimously awarded a $156,515 bid to Cheyenne-based RDO Equipment Co. for a new John Deere backhoe for the Water and Wastewater Department. The purchase came in well under the department's $180,000 budget and beat out higher bids from Caterpillar and Case dealers. Following the city's equipment trickle-down policy, the department's current backhoe will be retained as a backup, while an older 14-year-old model will be transferred to the streets, sanitation or golf department.

Police secure $6,000 used cruiser to replace busted SUV

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The Torrington Police Department will purchase a used 2018 Dodge Charger from the Town of Fort Laramie for $6,000 to replace a patrol vehicle that recently suffered a transmission failure. Police Chief Matt Johnson said buying the used Highway Patrol vehicle is a cost-effective way to maintain the department's one-to-one officer-to-vehicle ratio while remaining within a tight annual budget. The department plans to strip its broken Ford Explorer of police equipment and sell it at a city auction for parts.

Black Hills Energy Foundation fully funds pool boiler replacement

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The Torrington City Council accepted a grant from the Black Hills Energy Foundation to fully fund the replacement of the Dale Jones Municipal Pool boiler system. Representatives from the foundation presented a check to the council, noting the pool's historical importance for children's swim classes, first responder training and the local swim team. The previous boiler failed last summer, threatening the facility's operations, but the new equipment has already been secured ahead of the summer season.

City keeps 2026 municipal pool rates flat

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Swimmers will not see a price increase at the Dale Jones Municipal Pool this summer. The council unanimously approved the 2026 swimming pool rates, keeping them identical to the 2025 season to encourage community use following last year's boiler malfunctions. City staff noted that traditional paper punch cards will be eliminated this year due to low usage and administrative difficulties, with officials encouraging residents to purchase season passes for a better overall value.

Well 16 project substantially complete, awaits backup generator

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The Well 16 project is substantially complete and officially online, officials announced. Well 16 is currently operating at a reduced capacity due to sand back-pressure issues but will serve as a vital backup and supplemental summer production source for the city. The city is currently awaiting a Department of Homeland Security grant to fund a backup generator, which will be added to the project contract via a future change order.

Major reconstruction project begins on East D Street

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — A major, three-and-a-half-month reconstruction project on East D Street officially began Monday, city officials reported. Contractors have started work near 24th Avenue and will steadily progress toward 30th Avenue over the spring and summer. Residents living along the construction route will be given advance notice when they need to move their vehicles off the street or out of driveways as the road tear-up advances.

Superintendent Dana Youtz appointed to MEAN board of directors

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Electrical department superintendent Dana Youtz will represent Torrington on the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska board of directors. The council unanimously approved a resolution officially appointing Youtz as the city's director and Mayor Herb Doby as the alternate. MEAN supplies a significant portion of Torrington's electricity, and the board appointments ensure the city retains its voting rights and representation in the regional public energy agency.

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