First Government 101 class well attended

On February 24, The Learning Center presented their first of three meetings, Local Government 101. This first class was titled How Does Our Town Government Work? and was well attended.

Barb Rice led the Pledge of Allegiance and discussed the norms. Moderator Dr. John Anderson gave an Introduction to Local Government 101, where he discussed Governmental Structure and its Functions.

Anderson talked about the different areas of the US government, specifically the Federal, State and Local and how they overlap in everyday life. He also discussed the functions of the administrative, legislative, and judicial branches. Additionally, Anderson talked about kings and how the formation of the United States was a rejection of being ruled by a monarch and instead became a representative republic, which ultimately led to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 

Representing the Town of Thermopolis were speakers Mayor Adam Estenson, Town Clerk/Treasure Tracey Van Huele, and Assistant to the Mayor/Code Administrator Jim Jeunehomme. 

Van Huele spoke about her role and responsibilities as she is a licensed certified public accountant with a degree from the University of Wyoming. She discussed in detail about how she takes care of the town’s money and keeping records. Additionally, she handles payroll for the town’s 31 employees and that she prepares and bills customers for water, sewer, sanitation, and landfill use. Van Huele also discusses how the Municipal Court is held on Tuesdays in the council chambers. Also, she and her staff keep records of the transaction in their software system. 

Another part of Van Huele’s job is keeping minutes of the Town Council meetings. She also is the budget officer and prepares the budget based on estimated revenues and department expedites requests. Such as for the town’s Police Department.

There are two funds the town uses, one being the General fund and the other the Enterprise fund. This latter fund is the town’s business, where the town charges a fee for water, sewer, sanitation, and landfill services.

Van Huele also said, “Since 2000, the town has hired a CPA firm to audit the town’s financial statement. They reviewed the accounting of the town’s revenues and expenses. The town has received a ‘clean’ opinion for the last 25 years. Which is good! This procedure should provide a level of comfort to citizens.”

Assistant to the Mayor/Code Administrator Jim Jeunehomme described his dual roles and responsibilities. As a Code Admin, he is responsible for enforcing and interpreting building codes within a jurisdiction, reviewing construction plans for compliance. This involves visiting building sites, issuing permits, investigating code violations, and taking necessary enforcement actions to ensure adherence to local building regulations.

As an Assistant to the Mayor, Jeunehomme provides comprehensive administrative support to the Mayor, managing their calendar, handling correspondence, coordinating meetings, conducting research, acting as a liaison with other city departments and community members, and representing the Mayor at various events.

Jeunehomme also discussed ordinances and how they are a piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority. Meaning, an ordinance is a local law created by a governing body like a city council, or county board, and it comes about through a process where a proposed ordinance is drafted, reviewed, presented to the governing body, discussed at public hearings and ultimately voted on to be adopted, becoming law within that jurisdiction.

Thermopolis Mayor Adam Estenson discussed his role and responsibilities. He essentially is the town’s chief executive who is responsible for overseeing municipal operations, ensuring town services run efficiently, and working with the council to set policies that benefit residents.

Additionally, Mayor Estenson operates as a chairman of the board. He manages public safety with the police, utilities (water, sewer, trash services), finances and infrastructure maintenance like roads and parks.

Mayor Estenson added, “Another key part of the job is representing the town in discussions with state and federal officials, securing funding, and advocating for the community’s best interests. While I work closely with town staff, my primary responsibility is to the people, making sure your voices are heard and your needs are met.”

Mayor Estenson continued and said, “While the mayor leads the town, I do not have unlimited power. The town council shares decision-making authority…We operate under a mayor-council form of government.” This includes overseeing daily operations but cannot pass laws or spend town funds without council approval in the budget. The council votes on budgets, ordinances, and major policies. Additionally, the mayor does not control private businesses or personal property.

Regarding best practices for interacting with the mayor and council, Mayor Estenson recommended the citizens attend public meetings, be clear and constructive, use the right channels, and stay engaged. He added, “As Americans, we have the constitutional right to petition our government, protected by the First Amendment of the US Bill of Rights. This means residents have the right to voice concerns about policies or government actions; request changes to local laws, budgets, or projects; and submit petitions to bring issues to a vote or demand action.”

Mayor Estenson said, “However, with rights come responsibilities”…”This includes being informed, respectful and to follow legal procedures.”

Dr. Anderson announced the second class of Government 101 will be on Monday, March 31 at 6-7:30 p.m. at the County Annex at 327 Arapahoe, featuring County Commission Tom Ryan, County Administrator Connie Guntly and County Clerk Becky Kersten.