Laramie County Commissioner Meeting Summaries: April - June 2026

Several years ago, the Laramie County Commissioners began live-streaming their meetings and making previous meetings available for public viewing. Everyone should take advantage of this valuable service and stay informed about decisions that affect the county’s growth and direction. Laramie County - Calendar (legistar.com) I will post a brief synopsis of the bi-monthly Commissioner meetings on my Facebook page, including my comments, and welcome community input and dialogue. For complete details, visit the County Commissioner’s website.

June 2 Laramie County Commissioners Meeting

The June 2 Laramie County Board of Commissioners meeting had a fairly full agenda, including routine county business, public hearings, road and infrastructure items, land-use decisions, and one item postponed for a future meeting.

Next, the Iron Guard Workforce Housing item, originally last on the agenda, was moved up near the beginning after the applicant requested a postponement. As a result, the Commission approved delaying that item until the June 16th County Commission meeting, with no public hearing or final decision on the project at this time.

Following the adjustments to the agenda, we approved the consent agenda, which included several agreements supporting county operations, public safety, legal services, and ongoing department needs. This included a Sheriff’s Office awareness campaign, legal service agreements related to representation of indigent parents, an agreement with Black Hills Energy, April fee collections, and May part-time salaries.

In addition, we approved the monthly warrants and several routine business items that help keep county government moving.

One item that generated public discussion was the renewal of the liquor license for Bit-O-Wyo Ranch and Events. Several nearby residents spoke in opposition, raising concerns about traffic, access, public safety, noise, and impacts on the surrounding area. After hearing public comment and discussion from the applicant, the Commission approved the renewal. As with many of these items, the Commission has to weigh public concerns while also applying state law and county regulations fairly and consistently.

Moving forward, the Commission approved agreements for the five Laramie County Fair Ambassadors. Congratulations to Adelynn Marcy, Kinzley Nusbaum, Emily Shuck, Makinley Sunderland, and Katalyna Wolski as they help represent Laramie County and promote the Fair over the coming year.

On the Public Works side, we then approved an amendment to the Chalk Bluff Road improvement project and a chip seal contract for various county road locations. These projects are part of the ongoing work to maintain and improve county roads and infrastructure.

Furthermore, we approved a resolution updating compensation for election judges and canvassing board members. Elections depend on people who are willing to step up and serve, and I appreciate the work they do to help keep that process running.

Shifting focus to long-term initiatives, another item of public interest was the approval of a resolution to place the continuation of the optional lodging tax on the November 2026 General Election ballot. This action does not renew the tax on its own. It simply gives voters the opportunity to decide whether that lodging tax should continue. Visit Cheyenne also provided an update on tourism’s impact in Laramie County, including support for local businesses, jobs, events, and sales tax revenue.

The Commission also approved the sale of approximately 64.85 acres of county-owned property near the Archer Complex. As discussed during the meeting, the county retained the land needed for the planned 1,000-yard shooting range, and proceeds from the sale are intended to support future improvements at the Archer Complex.

Several land-use items were also approved, including subdivisions, plats, lot-line adjustments, and campground cabins. As is often the case, these items prompted public comment and questions about growth, impacts on neighboring properties, traffic, emergency services, water, and land-use compatibility. I appreciate those who came forward and shared their concerns respectfully.

Additionally, the meeting included a discussion of proposed amendments to the PlanCheyenne Future Land Use Map. Those items were for county comment only and did not require Commission action because they are part of the City of Cheyenne planning process.

To sum up, like many commission meetings, this agenda included both routine business and issues that brought out broader community concerns about growth, infrastructure, public safety, and the future of Laramie County.

For more detailed information on board actions, agendas, supporting documents, and upcoming meetings, you can visit the Laramie County Commissioners website.

May 19th Laramie County Commissioners Meeting

The May 19 Laramie County Board of Commissioners meeting was another fairly straightforward meeting, with much of the agenda focused on routine county business and the ongoing work that keeps services operating behind the scenes.

We approved the consent agenda, which included several agreements supporting county operations and public safety. One of the larger items was continued investment in our communications infrastructure through a Motorola maintenance agreement supporting the Combined Communications Center. Reliable communications remain critical to supporting dispatch operations and our first responders.

We also approved an agreement with the Town of Pine Bluffs to continue law enforcement cooperation and considered new software tools to improve efficiency and document processing within the Assessor’s Office.

Another important item was the acceptance of a FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant, which supports preparedness efforts and emergency management operations throughout the county.

One item that could have a long-term impact was a professional services agreement to begin development of a county strategic plan. The goal is to help guide county priorities and planning over the next three to five years as Laramie County continues to experience growth and changing demands.

The meeting also included the annual liquor license renewal public hearing process, which is one of those recurring responsibilities that may not draw much attention but remains an important part of county oversight.

On the land-use side, both the Roots to Branches End subdivision item and the Swan Ranch Rail Park filing were postponed to allow additional work before returning for consideration.

Like the May 5 meeting, this agenda moved at a steady pace without lengthy debate, yet it still covered a wide range of county business and decisions affecting long-term planning, public safety, and day-to-day operations.

For more detailed information on board actions, agendas, and upcoming meetings, you can visit the Laramie County Commissioners website.

May 5th Laramie County Commissioners Meeting

The May 5 Laramie County Board of Commissioners meeting was pretty straightforward, with most of the agenda focused on routine business that keeps the county running day to day.

We approved the consent agenda and just under $3.85 million in April warrants, along with a mix of agreements, grants, and purchases that support services across the county.

One of the larger items was a $5.7 million FAA-funded project to improve the Cheyenne Regional Airport’s general aviation apron and taxiway. We also continued upgrading our communications system, which is an important part of supporting dispatch and our first responders.

There were also a few items that don’t always get much attention but matter in the long term—updating election districts, confirming the in-person absentee voting location, and setting a June 2 public hearing on the county’s cable franchise agreement.

As we get closer to summer, we have also adopted the 2026 fireworks regulations and approved several permits following public hearings.

On the land-use side, we approved a plat for a future elementary school site, which is always good to see, given the growth we’re experiencing. The Swan Ranch Rail Park item was postponed so that some remaining issues can be worked through before it comes back before us.

Compared to the April 21 meeting, which featured longer, more involved discussions, this one moved along at a steady pace—but it still covered a lot of ground behind the scenes.

For more detailed information on board actions, agendas, and upcoming meetings, you can visit the Laramie County Commissioners website.

May 19 Laramie County Commissioners Meeting

The May 19 Laramie County Board of Commissioners meeting was another fairly straightforward meeting, with much of the agenda focused on routine county business and the ongoing work that keeps services operating behind the scenes.

We approved the consent agenda, which included several agreements supporting county operations and public safety. One of the larger items was continued investment in our communications infrastructure through a Motorola maintenance agreement supporting the Combined Communications Center. Reliable communications remain a critical part of supporting dispatch operations and our first responders.

We also approved an agreement with the Town of Pine Bluffs to continue law enforcement cooperation and considered new software tools to improve efficiency and document processing within the Assessor’s Office.

Another important item was the acceptance of a FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant, which supports preparedness efforts and emergency management operations throughout the county.

One item that could have a long-term impact was a professional services agreement to begin development of a county strategic plan. The goal is to help guide county priorities and planning over the next three to five years as Laramie County continues to experience growth and changing demands.

The meeting also included the annual liquor license renewal public hearing process, which is one of those recurring responsibilities that may not draw much attention but remains an important part of county oversight.

On the land-use side, both the Roots to Branches End subdivision item and the Swan Ranch Rail Park filing were postponed to allow additional work before returning for consideration.

Like the May 5 meeting, this agenda moved at a steady pace without lengthy debate, but it still covered a wide range of county business and decisions that affect long-term planning, public safety, and day-to-day operations.

For more detailed information on board actions, agendas, and upcoming meetings, you can visit the Laramie County Commissioners website.

April 21st Laramie County Commissioners Meeting

April 21st was a full and, at times, emotional meeting for the Board of County Commissioners, with several items drawing strong public interest and input.

The Board first approved the expansion of the Horse Creek Rock Quarry, allowing it to grow from a small operation into a large-scale mining site. The discussion focused on the long-term need for construction materials in the region and on private property rights. While some concerns were raised, the item moved forward with relatively limited opposition compared to other agenda items.

The meeting then turned to the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch event venue, which brought significant public comment from nearby residents. Concerns included traffic on rural roads, fire risk, noise, and overall compatibility with the surrounding area. The applicant presented plans that included shuttle services, coordination with emergency responders, and operational safeguards. After considerable discussion, the Board approved the permit with conditions, including a 10 p.m. end time for events and a limit of 100 guests plus staff.

In other business, a nearly $10.5 million contract for improvements to Chalk Bluff Road was approved. This project will be funded by the developer—not taxpayers—and an open house is planned in early May for those interested in learning more.

The Board also adopted the 2026 Laramie County Fair rules following months of public input and approved updates to Planning Commission bylaws aimed at improving efficiency and reducing red tape.

Several proclamations were recognized, including Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and National Service Recognition Day, highlighting both important community challenges and the impact of volunteerism across the county.

As always, a number of routine items were approved, helping keep county operations moving forward.

For more detailed information about board actions, agendas, and upcoming meetings, please visit the Laramie County Commissioners website.

April 7th Laramie County Commissioners Meeting

The April 7 Board of County Commissioners meeting addressed county business, focusing on public safety, community health, and daily operations. All agenda items passed.

Public safety and emergency response efforts were a key part of this meeting. The Board approved several grant applications that will support Recovery Courts, Emergency Management, and the Sheriff’s Office. These include funding for impaired driving reduction programs, portable radios for emergency responders, and ballistic helmets for deputies—investments that help ensure our teams have the tools they need to keep our community safe.

Community health and prevention efforts were also front and center. The Board approved multiple grants to support suicide prevention initiatives through the Coroner’s Office, along with an agreement with HealthWorks to assist Recovery Court participants dealing with opioid and stimulant use disorders. These are important steps in addressing some of the tougher challenges facing our community.

We also addressed several agreements that support essential county services. This included a long-term services agreement to assist the Assessor’s Office with geospatial services, a textile services contract for Public Works, and agreements with local funeral homes to ensure respectful care for indigent decedents in Laramie County.

Looking ahead, the Board ratified the resolution to place the One Percent Specific Purpose Tax on the August ballot, giving voters the opportunity to weigh in on future county projects and priorities.

During the meeting, we also reviewed proposed amendments to the PlanCheyenne Future Land Use Map and provided input on potential changes related to growth and development in areas near I-80 and Happy Jack Road.

Several proclamations were approved recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Month of the Military Child, and Fair Housing Month—important reminders of the people and programs that strengthen a community.

The meeting also included several public hearings. Topics ranged from a seasonal fireworks permit to subdivision and land-use items, as well as discussions of upcoming grant opportunities and proposed county fair rules. During the fair rules discussion, several members of the public spoke, requesting the creation of an advisory board to assist event staff with rule development and to address issues that may arise during the fair, thereby providing greater clarity and consistency in the process. The Chairman noted that the Board would be open to discussing the potential creation of an advisory board in the future. All items requiring action were approved.

Routine items—monthly fees, payroll, and warrants—were approved to keep operations moving.

The April 7 meeting maintained attention on public safety, community well-being, and county operations.

For more detailed information about board actions, agendas, and upcoming meetings, please visit the Laramie County Commissioners website or contact the office directly.