Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cheyenne public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues in taxes budget
Hail-damage roof repairs at six city buildings
The city is spending up to $383,130 of insurance proceeds, sales tax and state funds to fix wind- and hail-damaged roofs at six facilities including parking structures and the Ice and Events Center. The award went to an out-of-state contractor because state law requires the lowest responsible bidder with a 5% in-state preference that wasn't enough.
Stormwater reserve transfer policy
Aldrich's plan to divert General Fund balances beyond a 365-day reserve toward stormwater drainage — a need the city has tracked since the 1985 flood — failed 2-8. Most members opposed creating a dedicated fund, though a majority said they'd support a specific drainage project if one came forward.
Alleged LEADS influence over city positions
A second reading was scheduled on the ordinance defining employment terms for sworn police officers through mid-2027 — key to recruitment and retention.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget and Tax Appropriation
The council adopted its project list for the optional 1% sales tax on the November ballot for 2027-2030. Roughly 80% goes to roads and 9% to police and fire — voters decide in November.
Comprehensive plan update finally funded
A plan funded by a $1 million EPA grant that inventories emissions and suggests energy strategies. The council only agreed to "acknowledge receipt" and treat it as a planning document after critics flagged concerns about housing costs, electrification and excluded data-center energy use.
Municipal Building renovation pre-construction work
Council hired FCI Constructors for $30,000 to provide construction-manager expertise during design of the Municipal Building renovation. It's paid from the 2021 voter-approved six-penny funds, and several members said it keeps the project buildable and affordable ahead of the August ballot question.
Tallgrass $2.9 Million Affordable Housing Donation
Related Digital is donating $3.5 million so the city can buy 8.37 acres and host an 184-unit affordable housing project, with a 50-year leaseback to replenish the fund.
Fiscal Year 2027 City and BOPU Budgets
The ~$82 million balanced budget advanced on second reading, with an amendment adding a community service officer funded from council contingency money. Final adoption expected after the June 8 public hearing.
Airport Parkway maintenance and airport budget
The council adopted the airport board's ~$13 million budget after residents and members blasted the neglected Airport Parkway landscaping and elk sculpture corner; the new airport director promised fixes and an MOU update.
Downtown Development Authority budget and reserve draw
The DDA's FY2027 budget draws $434,190 from reserves, drawing criticism from Charles Miller and questions from Aldrich about a $500,000 request from Downtown First. The council adopted it as amended, with members framing the reserves as accumulated for downtown reinvestment.
Part-time employee and council health insurance
Aldrich's proposal to let permanent part-time employees and future council members buy into city health insurance failed 2-7 after the question was called.
2026 One-percent Sales Tax Ballot Project List
Council adopted the ballot language for the 1% specific purpose sales tax going to Laramie County voters August 18 — the funding source for fire trucks and other capital projects.
Firefighter pay and labor contract with Local No. 279
The firefighters' union is asking the city for wage increases after skipping a raise last year, arguing Cheyenne needs to stay competitive with the regional market. The mayor says Cheyenne's full package — retirement, wages, specialty and longevity pay — often compares favorably, and lower taxes here offset pay gaps with other states. No agreement yet; talks will continue.
Firefighter wages and union contract
Cheyenne's firefighter union says pay is up to 30% behind regional departments and calls it a career-long structural gap. The city argues the right comparison is other Wyoming cities, where the gap is only a few percent. Until the sides agree on what 'market' means, no wage deal can be reached — and the outcome will affect both city spending and the department's ability to recruit.
RingCentral phone system replacement
The city's aging phone system is no longer supported, so IT is moving to a cloud service — the full 36-month cost is $324,750.58, which the council added to the contract before approving it.
Police officer employment terms through FY 2026
The annual police employment ordinance locked in a 3% cost-of-living raise and adjusted longevity pay for sworn officers, approved unanimously on final reading.