Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sheridan public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
26 issues in taxes budget
Fleet and Fire Apparatus Purchases (~$2.38M)
The city now has a full 393-asset inventory and a sinking-fund model to plan vehicle replacements — but council learned the long-term cost could be steep, and affordability remains an open question.
Asphalt recycling trailer purchase
A $95,651 trailer-mounted recycler would let street crews turn reclaimed millings into hot patch mix on-site, making permanent pothole and utility-cut repairs possible even in freezing weather. It also avoids firing up the main plant for tiny batches.
Quarterly payments to Sheridan Recreation District
The city pays the Sheridan Recreation District quarterly as part of a contractual obligation — this round covered July and October, totaling $172,920. These dollars support local recreation programs and facilities residents use.
Second quarter budget update
The city's first-ever quarterly budget review showed revenues and spending tracking right on pace with prior years, with police vehicles purchased early in the year and public benefit fund revenues behind pace but expected to catch up.
Distribution of ARPA Funds
The city has about $70,700 in interest earned on ARPA funds it could give to Habitat for Humanity, but council held off until after the election out of concern that the property tax and fifth-penny ballot measures could squeeze city finances.
2026 Crushing Project — Recycled Aggregate Saves $119,000
Instead of paying about $183,000 to buy crushed aggregate, the city spends $64,125 crushing its own stockpiled concrete and asphalt at the landfill — roughly a third of the cost, funded by the optional one-cent tax.
Food insecurity in Sheridan County
Food Bank of Wyoming says more than 15.5% of Sheridan County — nearly 5,000 people — face food insecurity, a ten-year high. The city proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month to rally support.
City Code Revisions (Ordinance No. 2302-26)
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.
Municipal Code Amendments (Ordinances 2304-26 and 2305-26)
Modernized rules require secondhand dealers to keep digital transaction records so police can track stolen goods. A new council appeal process was added after concerns the rules could sweep in consignment and antique shops.
Joint Land Use Plan Update — $200,000 contract
The commission endorsed hiring Interstate Engineering for $200,000 to update the plan governing growth within one mile of city limits, with heavy public engagement over 12-14 months. The city pays about two-thirds, and leftover budget could fund a city land use plan update with the same consultant.
FY27 Master Fee Schedule
The city now has one consolidated fee schedule it will refresh every fiscal year. The idea is that people requesting individualized services — permits, records, landfill use — pay for them instead of spreading the cost across all taxpayers.
Potential Two-Mill Senior District Levy
Voters may face two extra mills for The Hub senior center on the August ballot, on top of the city's eight mills and its $80,000 Hub allocation — a possible 'double dip' some residents flagged.
FY27 City Budget Adoption
Council is reviewing the FY27 budget in a new format. Members asked for help navigating the reorganized document and whether the familiar color-coded tabs will return.
FY26 Budget Amendment #1 (Resolution 01-26)
The city is cleaning up its books for the audit — reducing contingency, rolling over approved purchases and adding new grants. Reserves stay around $5.7 million under the revised plan.
City Fee Ordinance (No. 2301-26)
The ordinance itself just fixes how fees are referenced in city code and repeals two dead permit programs — downtown parking permits (never implemented) and local pawn/secondhand dealer permits. The actual dollar amounts arrive with the master fee schedule on June 22, with final action July 6. Dog license, shelter fees, planning fees and special event fees all live in that schedule.
Tax increment financing (TIF) overview
Staff presented how TIFs work under Wyoming's urban renewal law and whether they could help fund residential infrastructure. Council members debated whether 'underdeveloped' areas can qualify, or only blighted ones.
One Cent/GPET Ballot Question
The 1-cent optional sales tax funds infrastructure, public safety, parks, and other community needs, and the city gets roughly 66% of it. Council members acknowledged the city has become dependent on this revenue and that voters have come close to rejecting it, so better public education is needed.
New city positions and staffing
Staff wants to add two utility meter technicians, a senior accountant, and an IT position — the IT need was backed by every department head. Council discussed whether the accountant role is temporary and whether to fill positions permanently rather than promising short-term jobs.
Third-quarter budget status
Sales tax is running above the past six years and spending is on track, though loan-funded enterprise funds look artificially low because reimbursements arrive only as money is spent. A resident flagged possible overtaxation and wants to dig deeper.
2025 City Audit
The city's audit shows six findings tied to staff turnover and the new financial software rollout, including improper revenue recognition and a missed federal grant on the SEFA. Treasurer Darla Hawkins laid out corrective action plans with timelines; no penalties resulted.
Public comment on nonprofits and protest rally
A resident objected that taxpayer-supported nonprofits appeared at a 'No Kings' protest rally in March and asked the council to ensure grant recipients are not identified with such events in the future.
FY27 GPET excise tax service agreements
Twenty nonprofits — from the Advocacy & Resource Center to the Senior Citizens Council — are requesting a share of next year's optional one-cent sales tax. The mayor recommends full funding for 12, less for 6, and nothing for 2, totaling about 10% of the $5 million expected. The money only flows if voters reapprove the one-cent tax this fall.
State budget and direct distribution replacement
City Administrator Stu McRae reported the legislature codified an 8% sales-tax-based distribution replacing direct distribution, ending the biennial fight for funding, plus $3 million for E-911 grants and $18.3 million in airport subsidies.
Collective bargaining rules and procedures
The Council was scheduled to consider new rules and procedures governing collective bargaining with city employees.
Landfill punch cards mailed to all city households
The city is mailing landfill coupon cards to every mailing address in city limits — not just utility account holders as before. Lost cards won't be replaced, so keep yours handy; the card itself is now the tracker, no computer system needed.
Second-quarter budget update
City Treasurer Darla Hawkins was scheduled to walk the council through the city's finances at the halfway point of the budget year — a look at how tax dollars are tracking.