Tina Ely

The meeting included new business items such as the petition to vacate SS 24-008 Broken Spoke submitted by Kelly Sutton to facilitate a Boundary Line Adjustment and change property access to HWY 14, which was approved. Other new business items included SS 25-012 VF Limited, LLC, SS 25-011 Black Hills, Phase II concerning power pole placement in the floodplain, and SS 25-013 Darren Berlinger. Old business involved a discussion regarding Subdivision Regulations, focusing on required plat notes, revisions, and changes, with staff tasked to distribute suggested revisions for review before the next meeting. Additionally, members discussed Ditch Rights and Easements, noting the Board's limitation in deciding the widths of irrigation and drainage easements on plats.

The meeting addressed several items related to Airports and Land Planning, including a lease for South Airport Lot 40, which required deferral pending an Airport Board meeting, and the approval of a lease extension for a bone yard lot. The Commission also considered the sale of decommissioned NTDB towers and accepted an offer on an auctioned plane, noting concerns about good faith regarding other interested parties. A simple subdivision (25-013) was approved, and right-of-way permits for Road 6 and Lane 12 were also approved. The Commission approved accounts payable and payroll items. Citizen Valmore Gibson expressed concerns regarding cooperation with ICE programs, leading to a discussion on local control and due diligence with the Sheriff. State Representative Dalton Banks provided an update on budget sessions, legislation, and concerns regarding revenue, tax cuts, and federal healthcare funding distribution. Old business included accepting the resignation letter of Sheriff Ken Blackburn and ratifying the Reirden Lane Bridge replacement project amendment. The Public Health Medicaid billing validation process was also approved.

The meeting began with the acceptance of the agenda. The primary action taken was the appointment of Cozette Winters to fill the vacant position of Big Horn County Assessor, followed by the administration of the oath of office. The Commission expressed satisfaction with the appointment.

Key discussions included legislative session priorities with Senator Cooper, focusing on budget cuts, healthcare funds, foreign dark money in elections, and energy growth. The Commission heard an update from the Wyoming Business Council regarding its work. Engineering and Road and Bridge reported on completed shoulder work, right-of-way permit approvals, and ongoing concerns regarding budget cuts. Progress on the Rairden Lane Bridge replacement and a railroad crossing agreement was noted, along with applications for the Safe Streets for All grant and FLAP grant. The Commission discussed changes to Federal Highway Administration bridge inspection policies. Updates were also provided on Airport and Land Planning matters, including a lease reassignment and subdivision rules edits. Accounts payable and payroll were reviewed and approved. Additionally, the Commission heard an update on community vitality programs, approved a letter of support for the Cottonwood Trails project NEPA study, received guidance on filling the Assessor Vacancy, reviewed the process for adopting an employee handbook, approved the use of the Fairgrounds for a KidFest event, and declined a request for salary adjustments due to existing freezes.

Key discussions included accepting the resignation/retirement letter from the County Assessor, initiating the process to declare the resulting vacancy, and confirming the Chairman for 2026. Executive sessions were convened briefly for contractual discussions, one of which was cancelled. The Commission requested further information regarding county participation in new programs offered by the Sheriff's Department and Ice. Accounts payable and payroll items were approved. The Commission also reviewed the State Transportation Improvement Plan, addressed concerns regarding a railroad crossing and road intersection safety, and approved a DEQ Delegation agreement and a Flood Plain permit. Right of way permits for Road 6 were also approved. The Emergency Manager provided updates on the mass notification system consideration, grant funding opportunities, and necessary generator upgrades for the Jail. Procedures for establishing the LEPC Board and recognizing the former Sheriff's service were discussed. The meeting concluded with the approval of the previous meeting's minutes and the revised 2026 holiday schedule.