Council hears several tidbits of positive financial news

At last week’s meeting, the Sundance City Council heard several positive pieces of financial news – beginning with the possibility that the Old Stoney renovation could be fully finished in the near future.

The rejuvenation project for the historic school building was planned in two phases, the first of which is now complete. The basement and museum floor are both open for business, but the top floor – including the theater – is still unfinished.

Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz shared with the council that there is a possibility for the Crook County Museum District to obtain the remaining funds through a Wyoming Business Council grant. With the recent increase in prices for materials, the estimated need would be around $2 million.

As with the grant that saw the first two floors renovated, this would be managed and overseen by the city. However, there would be no financial obligation for the city.

Lenz also shared that Sundance received an additional $10,000 on top of the usual $136,000 received through state distributions this year.

In addition, the city received its first payment through the franchise agreement now in place with Powder River Energy, which she said had come in at $14,543.

Lenz also informed the council that there may be funding available through WYDOT to replace a failing bridge on 3rd Street, which the city will be investigating further.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Paul Brooks also signed two proclamations, one in support of the Crook County Library for National Library Week, April 3-9, and the other in support of Crook County Family Violence for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month.

“I think it’s important that we support causes that reduce or prevent child abuse,” he said of the latter.

Housekeeping tasks included the first reading of the annual budget, which will cover the 12-month period beginning on July 1, and approval of catering permits for the Turf Bar for the fire department’s chili feed and an event at Old Stoney.

The council received a visit from Tyler Lindholm, Policy Director for U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis. Lindholm informed the council that he now has an office in Old Stoney for while he is in town and invited council members to his upcoming grand opening.

“We truly appreciate Senator Lummis picking Sundance,” commented the mayor. “I think it’s huge to have you guys in this community.”

Wade Dennis, chairman of the Crook County Weed & Pest District, also stood to address the council. Dennis stated that he would like the district and city to work together more and feels there are plenty of ways for that to happen.

Brooks responded with an idea that could already be pursued, saying one of the city’s seasonal staff has an applicator license and could work with the district on a formula to spray in order to keep weeds at bay on city property.

Saying that the district is happy to consider “anything we can do to help,” Dennis agreed to look into it.

The next regular meeting of the Sundance City Council is scheduled for May 3.