Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sheridan public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Collective bargaining rules and procedures
The Council was scheduled to consider new rules and procedures governing collective bargaining with city employees.
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.
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.