Steve Baumann

The meeting addressed several operational and administrative items. Key discussions included the approval of a Right-of-Way Easement for Lyons Valley Rd, and the approval of a Memorandum of Agreement with Volunteers of America Northern Rockies for Opioid Settlement Funds concerning the VOA Center of Hope. Actions taken included accepting the resignation of a Historic Preservation Commission member, approving the sale of surplus county vehicle to the Dubois Rural Fire District, and approving the creation of a third position in the Victim Witness Department for the upcoming fiscal year. The commission also approved a resolution to place a three-quarter Sales and Use tax for Economic Development on the 2026 Primary Election ballot to support ground ambulance, commercial air service, and public ground transportation. Various vehicle maintenance and repair approvals were also processed for county trucks and a Traverse.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and bills for payment. The Board reviewed items requiring signatures, such as approving a Utilities Right-of-Way Easement Application to bore at Crooks Gap Road. Priority mail items included a Public Defender Oath of Office and Monthly Revenue Reports. A significant portion of the meeting involved a discussion with tribal representatives regarding the status of buffalo as wildlife, landowner concerns about damage, and clarifying coordination procedures for animal removal. A budget hearing resulted in the approval of Resolution 2026-08, transferring $208,000.00 from Cash Reserve to the Fremont County Fair for the Fair Annex. Fremont Counseling Services and Central Wyoming Counseling Center presented on their upcoming merger. The Board rescinded a previous vote and subsequently approved advertising for a Board of Equalization Hearing Examiner. Reports were presented by the County Sheriff and Transportation Department, leading to the approval of an agreement and Notice to Proceed for the Dutch Ed Lane Reconstruction Project, and the approval to purchase flashing speed feedback signs for Hillcrest Drive. A motion to acknowledge and enforce private property rights within the Diminished Lands of Fremont County failed for lack of a second after concerns were raised regarding communication with tribal authorities.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and bills for payment, covering numerous vendors across various departments including vehicle maintenance, county buildings, and detention services. Key discussions included the failure of a resolution concerning the regulation enforcement of buffalo on privately owned land, the unanimous approval of a Right-of-Way Easement Application and contract amendment for the Dutch Ed Lane Reconstruction, and the approval of a resolution to decrease the speed limit on Hillcrest Drive to 25mph. The Commissioners reviewed priority mail items including the State Public Defender appointment and monthly revenue reports. During public comment, a prepared statement addressed the rough draft proposal for the Fair reorganization, emphasizing continued county support and the formation of a work group for detailed review. An MOU was approved for SageWest hospital to purchase a Wyoming-compatible radio through the County at a discounted rate, with reimbursement to the County. Updates were received from School District #2, Dubois, regarding enrollment growth and staffing challenges. The Board convened in executive session with the Fair Board to discuss personnel matters. Subsequent actions included the appointment of members to the Museum Board, Solid Waste Disposal District Board, Weed and Pest Board, and Fair Board. The final action involved an unsuccessful motion to advertise for a Board of Equalization Hearing Examiner.

The meeting involved approval of the agenda and acceptance of bills for payment. Key discussions included the failure of a resolution concerning the regulation enforcement of buffalo on privately owned land after debate regarding property rights and tribal communication. The commissioners unanimously approved a Right-of-Way Easement Application for Dutch Ed Lane and an amendment to the engineering agreement for its reconstruction to include compensation. Furthermore, they approved a resolution to decrease the speed limit on Hillcrest Drive. An MOU was approved for the county to act as a pass-through for SageWest hospital to purchase interoperable radio equipment at a discount. A significant portion of the meeting involved a discussion with the Fair Board regarding a draft reorganization proposal, resulting in an agreement to form a joint work group. Following an executive session to discuss personnel, appointments were made to the Museum Board, Solid Waste Disposal District Board, Fair Board, and a decision was made to advertise for a Board of Equalization Hearing Examiner.

The Board of Fremont County Commissioners addressed several agenda items, including the acceptance of bills for payment. Key actions involved approving a Right-of-way Easement application for Riverton Road and authorizing the Fremont County Juvenile Justice Department to apply for CJSB grant funds for the 2026-2028 cycle. Resolution 2026-06, amending legal holiday closures for 2026, was approved. Resignations for the Public Health Nurse Manager and a Historic Preservation Commission member were accepted. The Board approved the Notice of Award to Alexander Excavation, Inc. for the Dutch Ed Lane Reconstruction project, with funds drawn from the 1% Tax. A Museum Budget Hearing resulted in the approval of an Unanticipated Revenue funds balance transfer to cover contractual services and fire compliance upgrades. Discussions concerning the Nurse Manager position led to the decision to rehire for the role, with the Public Nurse Supervisor set to serve as interim manager. The Treatment Court Director received approval to fill open positions, including a Coordinator and Case Manager, and to hire a Contractual Clinical Supervisor. A draft resolution and MOA were presented proposing a countywide optional economic development sales tax of three-quarter percent to fund ground ambulance, commercial air service, and public transportation.