Commissioners handle full agenda of items

At the May 21 Hot Springs County Commissioners board meeting, the commissioners voted and passed the approval of the Revenue and Expenditure Report.

HUB Insurance agent Melissa Bilby presented and reviewed the county’s insurance policies. The commissioners held an executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding health insurance. After coming out of executive session, the commissioners voted and passed the approval to appoint County Clerk Becky Kersten to sign the contract for the health insurance. They also voted and passed approval to renew Bilby’s contract as the county’s health insurance agent for $7,5000.

The commissioners recessed their board meeting and called to order the Board of Equalization. County Assessor Daniel Weber presented the 2024 Hot Springs County Abstract Report for the Board of Equalization. Weber said, “there were very few complaints. This was the first year that the new Enrolled Act 54 was implemented, which exempted property increases over 4% on residential structures…It was just a little bit over half a million assessed dollars exempted due to that new legislation. So it didn’t have a huge effect in our county, but maybe for some, maybe for a few people it did.” The Board of Equalization voted and passed the approval to sign the report, then they adjourned, and came out of recess for the HSC Commissioners meeting.

Tricia McPhie presented a request for Approval of County Health Officer Agreement for $10,000 and Approval of Public Health Preparedness and Response Unit Agreement for $73,000, both of which are effective upon execution through June 30, 2025. Separately, the commissioners voted and passed the approval of the request.

Shane Rankin of Road & Bridge held a discussion about the CottonWood Creek Culvert Replacement Project. Rankin reported he received a quote for $85,600 for engineering costs from Ardurra and said that it was very high. Rankin asked if he should explore Engineering Associates for a bid which might be between $15,000 to $20,000 as they were the previous engineers on projects of this nature or should he place it out for bid? The commissioners said to investigate Engineering Associates. 

Rankin also presented a request for Approval of Approach Agreements No.s 2024-0002 and 2024-0003 for Culvert Installation on County Road 32. The application had all expenses paid. The commissioners voted and passed the approval of both agreements separately. 

Rankin held a discussion about possible action for a Cattle Guard Placement on Rim Rock Road. Rankin and county resident Jim Crandal told the commissions some historical information about the removal of a cattle guard under the commissioner of a previous time, 2012. Crandal requested that the cattle guard be replaced. However, during the discussion Rankin said that he believes this is an issue of fencing and for the brand supervisor and the Sheriff’s Office for the management of cattle. The commissioners agreed with Rankin and added that the property owners of the cattle are also responsible. The commissioners took no action. 

Rankin also presented a request for approval of the Old Airport Access Road Temporary Access Application and Support Documents to WYDOT and Approval of the Storm Water Prevention Plan. The commissioners voted and passed the approval of both requests separately. 

Fire Chief Mark Collins presented a request to use the Old Airport Runway for Fourth of July Fireworks Display and approval of a Facility Use Agreement. The commissioner voted and passed the approval of the requests.

The commissioners finalized the meeting dates: On Friday, June 28 at 1:00 p.m. there will be the Public Hearing Budget amendments and year end bills. Also, on Monday, July 15 at 1 p.m. there will be a Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for the Budget finalization and the regular meeting. The meeting on Tuesday, July 16 will be canceled. The times are contingent on statute review to ensure it doesn’t have to be at 12 p.m. The commissioners voted and passed the approval of all three commissioners’ salaries, becoming equal for the next two years effective January 2025.

The commissioners held a discussion about the 2024 Responsible Gambling Behavioral Funding for $3,354.95. The commissioners voted and passed the approval to accept the funds and have Prevention Program director Jen Cheney use it for helping those in need with possible treatment.

Hot Springs County’s Sheriff’s Office, Casey Freund, presented a request for a volunteer law enforcement officer who was originally from Sheridan to receive workman’s comp and permission to participate in law enforcement activities. The commissioners took no formal action but agreed to let the law enforcement volunteer and help out. 

The commissioner voted and passed the approval to submit an updated letter of support for the latest RFP for the shooting complex project. 

In other business, the commissioners voted and passed the approval of the Request for Reimbursement #20 for $129.32 for Big Horn Basin Nature and Discovery Center; approval of Local Government Retrofit Grant Application with Wyoming Energy Authority for $50,000 with a 10% County Match and Energy Audit Application; reappointed Dave Vorhies to the Natural Resources Planning Commission Board; Approval of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Line of Credit at Pinnacle Bank for $1,000. This line of credit has never been used and is a requirement of the DEQ.

The commissioners also voted and passed the Approval of Resolution No. 2024-08 for a Petition to Place Before the Electorate a Proposition for Consideration of the Hot Springs County Senior Citizen Service District Formation Pursuant to W.S. 18-15-102 (b) (ii) and for Resolution No. 2024-09, Vacating the Highland Park Addition Plat.