Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sheridan public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in public safety
Pedestrian safety
A new 20 mph school zone would be created on Mydland Road between West 5th and Hillpond, and the city's three existing school zones would get upgraded solar flashers — about $50,000 total. Crosswalks remain a challenge until the West Haven development adds curb, gutter, and sidewalk.
All-way stop at North Scott Street and East Brundage Street
Seven crashes in each of the last two three-year windows triggered the state warrant for a four-way stop at a busy collector intersection. Drivers on Scott Street would have to stop for the first time.
20 mph school zone beacon on Midland
Residents asked whether growth on the west side warrants a traffic light and pressed for a safe crossing so kids can reach Hill Pond and school. A signal warrant study is in draft, staff said it's not yet warranted, and the city recently made Midland a school zone.
Municipal Court Prosecuting Attorney Services
Municipal prosecutor Zach Leininger asked to switch from hourly billing to a flat $5,500 monthly fee — slightly less than his ~$5,600 monthly average — with penalties for missed court dates. Council members liked the predictability and want to keep him.
Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety
Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 4-10 with a 'charge into fire safety' theme — think e-bikes, power tools, and phone chargers. The fire marshal warns cheap off-brand batteries are a real fire risk and recommends a station open house Oct. 10.
Police and Fleet Vehicle Purchases
Fire, landfill and streets departments are all running vehicles that are 18 to 21 years old — one with a rusted-out frame. New trucks cost $176,512 total.
Domestic violence services and victim support funding
The Advocacy & Resource Center served about 238 victims last year and took 1,212 hotline calls, but says housing costs and scarce mental health providers are its biggest hurdles — a single mom of two needs about $32/hour to live comfortably here.
Municipal code updates on alcohol, camping, tobacco and pawn shops
Two ordinances on final reading tightened rules on giving alcohol to minors, camping on public property, tobacco age and fines, and pawn shop recordkeeping — the pawn ordinance was scaled back to cover only pawn shops after pushback.
Municipal court judge transition
Judge Kisling is heading to the district bench, leaving the city's municipal court without a primary judge as of September 14. Zach Leininger, already serving as the court's other judge since 2024, is the pick — but his move opens a hole in the prosecutor's office the city still has to fill.
Human Trafficking Prevention Month proclamation
September 2026 proclaimed Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting Wyoming's high suicide rate — 168 deaths statewide in 2024 and 16 in Sheridan County in 2025 — and the 988 crisis line.
New Fire Engine Purchase via Mineral Royalty Grant
Sheridan Fire & Rescue is getting a second new engine to replace a 2009 Spartan with 53,000 miles. Most of the $1.25M price is covered by a state mineral royalty grant.
Landfill equipment replacements (tractor and dozer)
The landfill lost its tractor and dozer years ago and has been borrowing equipment, leading to less frequent fire-line maintenance (a fire two years ago) and erosion problems. Staff wants to buy both back — about $431,000 combined after trade-in and discounts.
AEDs in downtown Sheridan
After a fatal medical emergency during Third Thursday, the city and Downtown Sheridan Association are looking at locations for AEDs compatible with EMS Lifepak units, roughly $2,000 each.
Special Event Policy
A new unified process for special event permits starts September 1 — apply 60 days ahead if alcohol is involved, 21 days otherwise, with a $100 late fee for late applications. Insurance requirements stay in place, and council members worried about cost and complexity for small organizers.
New Special Event Permitting Policy
The city has issued special event permits for years without a written policy — meaning no leverage when applicants push back. This ordinance builds the framework into code and tightens mobile food vendor rules, including naming all vendors on event permits.
WYO Rodeo Parade Chair Rules
Chairs can now go out no earlier than 5 p.m. Thursday before the parade; no ropes or barricades, five feet of sidewalk must stay clear, and early setups get impounded at the police department.
Firefighter Union Contract
A new two-year deal with IAFF Local 276 gives firefighters a 48/96 schedule starting January 2027, raises of 1.75%–2.25%, and more guaranteed vacation days.