Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Laramie County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget
Carey Ave courthouse HVAC project cost increase
Remodeling the historic courthouse's HVAC system exposed old wiring that wasn't up to code, adding nearly $300,000 to the project so tenants and county employees have a safe building.
County Website Accessibility and Public Records Technology
New tools will make the county website easier to use for people with disabilities and help staff track public records requests within legal deadlines — improving transparency and access for residents.
2026 Mill Levy Correction
The county set its 2026 property tax mill levies. Most rates were unchanged because most districts already levy their maximum allowed mills; the main changes were small increases for LCCC bond payments and the county fire authority.
County Grants, Contracts, and Budget Housekeeping
The board quietly approved nearly $1.2 million in contracts and grants — the animal shelter deal, jail housing rates for city prisoners, a $901,640 state prevention grant, audits, and the $7.3 million July warrants.
FY27 county budget and property tax cap
The state's new 4% cap on taxable value increases for owner-occupied homes is cutting into the county's biggest revenue source — property taxes fund 41% of the general fund. The county budgeted property tax down about $2 million and sales tax down roughly $750-800,000 while keeping the budget balanced with just a $301,000 cushion.
Auto titles staffing backlog
Auto titles workers begged the board to reconsider two deputy clerk positions, describing a two-month backlog of about 20,500 titles, 50-person lines, and weekend shifts just to keep up. The board couldn't fund positions this year but at least one commissioner is open to revisiting it.
Lodging tax continuation on November ballot
The 2% optional lodging tax — about half of Visit Cheyenne's funding — will go before voters again on November 3. Tourism brought $485 million in visitor spending and 3,720 jobs to the county last year.