Torrington local news summary

Torrington to Join Multi-County Effort for Wind Project Impact Funds

New 'Archery Tag' Business Proposed for City Parks

Council Approves $40,970 Landfill Monitoring Contract

Annual Fall Cleanup Week Set for Late September

Successful Car Show and Market Draw Crowds Downtown

Torrington Ends Fiscal Year on Strong Financial Footing

City Reports $1.7 Million in Extra Cash Carryover

Golf and Ambulance Services See Major Revenue Boost

Sales Tax Growth Levels Off, Report Shows

Progress Seen on Major Water and Sewer Projects

‘Flushable’ Wipes Create Costly Problem for City’s Sewer Lagoons

Torrington to Join Multi-County Effort for Wind Project Impact Funds

TORRINGTON - The City of Torrington will join a coalition of local governments in Goshen, Platte, and Laramie counties to apply for impact assistance funds related to the massive NextEra Chugwater Energy Project. The council unanimously authorized city staff to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with other affected entities. While the wind and solar project is located entirely in Platte County, the influx of an estimated 300 workers is expected to strain services—including law enforcement, EMS, and infrastructure—in surrounding communities. By joining the MOU, the entities can collectively apply for a share of a $12 million assistance fund. Officials noted that applying as a unified group prevents the potential funding pool from being reduced to $8 million, a consequence of individual applications under the Industrial Siting Council's rules.

New 'Archery Tag' Business Proposed for City Parks

TORRINGTON - A local entrepreneur and city employee presented a proposal to the council for a new family-friendly recreational business. The proposer described the activity as a mix of archery, dodgeball, and paintball, using bows and foam-tipped arrows for safety. Citing a lack of affordable entertainment options for youth and families, he requested permission to operate the mobile business in city parks, such as the outfields of softball fields, during weekends. The presentation was informational, allowing the council to hear the concept before any formal action is taken. Council members expressed interest in the idea as a positive new activity for the community, pending review of liability and insurance requirements.

Council Approves $40,970 Landfill Monitoring Contract

TORRINGTON - The City Council approved a $40,970 amendment to its professional services agreement with Inberg-Miller Engineers for environmental monitoring at the city landfill. The contract covers required testing, monitoring, and state reporting to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the upcoming year. Public Works Director Jeff Harkins stated that these services are a routine and mandatory part of maintaining the city's landfill permit, and the cost was already allocated in the sanitation department's annual budget.

Annual Fall Cleanup Week Set for Late September

TORRINGTON - The city has scheduled its annual fall cleanup week from Saturday, September 20 through Saturday, September 27. During this week, city residents can bring their garbage to the balefill for free disposal. To be eligible, residents must present a current city utility bill showing a sanitation charge and a valid ID. The balefill will have extended Saturday hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the event. Certain restrictions apply, including a limit of five tires per household and no hazardous materials.

Successful Car Show and Market Draw Crowds Downtown

TORRINGTON - Downtown Torrington was buzzing with activity last Saturday as the community hosted two popular events. The annual classic car show, sponsored by the Scottsbluff Valley Street Rods, featured over 120 entries from across Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, and even North Dakota. The impressive display of vehicles lined Main Street, coinciding with the ongoing farmers and artisans market held at the Sunrise Church parking lot. The Mayor praised the events for successfully showcasing the city's vibrant downtown area to both locals and visitors.

Torrington Ends Fiscal Year on Strong Financial Footing

TORRINGTON - City Clerk-Treasurer Lynette Strecker presented the year-end financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, showing the city in a strong financial position. Overall city revenues came in at 102% of the budgeted amount, while expenditures were significantly under budget at just 92.6%. "I appreciate our departments sticking so carefully to their budgets," commented a council member. The positive report indicates sound fiscal management across all city departments for the past year.

City Reports Extra Cash Carryover

TORRINGTON - A key highlight of the annual financial report was the revelation that the city has a cash carryover more than was anticipated in the current budget. Clerk-Treasurer Lynette Strecker explained that while she budgeted for a $14 million cash carryover to start the new fiscal year, the actual available cash was closer to $16.4 million. "I wasn't very close this year, but it's in the right direction," Strecker noted. This extra operating capital provides the city with a significant financial cushion.

Golf and Ambulance Services See Major Revenue Boost

TORRINGTON - Two of the city’s enterprise funds reported exceptional financial performance last year. The Torrington Municipal Golf Course saw revenues reach 148% of its budgeted goal, the highest figure in recent memory. Council members attributed the success to recent rate adjustments and the addition of new golf carts. The ambulance service also far exceeded expectations, bringing in 145% of its budgeted revenue, ensuring the department ended the year with a positive cash flow.

Sales Tax Growth Levels Off, Report Shows

TORRINGTON - After several years of steady growth, sales tax revenue for the City of Torrington appears to be leveling out. According to the year-end financial report, receipts were approximately $20,000 lower than the previous fiscal year. While the revenue source remains strong and is the single largest contributor to the city's general fund, the plateau signals a potential stabilization of the local economy following a period of expansion.

Progress Seen on Major Water and Sewer Projects

TORRINGTON - Council members received informal updates on two critical infrastructure projects. At the wastewater treatment facility, the concrete walls for the new headworks building have been poured, marking a significant visual milestone for the project. Meanwhile, at the city’s water department, new reverse osmosis membranes have been installed at Well 16. Officials are now awaiting test results to confirm the system is effectively removing nitrates and performing as expected.

‘Flushable’ Wipes Create Costly Problem for City’s Sewer Lagoons

TORRINGTON - During a discussion on city projects, it was noted that the ongoing cleaning of the sewer lagoons has revealed a substantial buildup of so-called "flushable" wipes. Officials clarified that while the wipes do flush, they do not biodegrade, leading to major clogs and significant cleaning expenses for the wastewater system approximately every five years. The new headworks facility currently under construction is designed to filter these materials out before they reach the lagoons, which is expected to extend the time between cleanings to nearly 15 years.

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