Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT THE COURTHOUSE IN SUNDANCE, CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
8:30 o’clock a.m. Present were Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairwoman Jeanne A. Whalen, Member Fred M. Devish and County Clerk Linda Fritz.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the Flag.
Fred moved to approve the minutes from April 5 & 6, 2022. Jeanne seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Jeanne moved to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-12
FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET AMENDMENT
WHEREAS Crook County adopted the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget in accordance with the Wyoming Uniform Fiscal Procedures Act; and
WHEREAS the Board of Crook County Commissioners wishes to amend the adopted budget in accordance with the same Act; and
WHEREAS, no protests were received regarding such transfer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following budget amendments are made.
• $25,000.00 to Federal Grants Budget-COVID 19 Disease Surveillance line -from Unanticipated Revenues
• $30,000.00 to the Miscellaneous Budget-Computer/Maintenance/Repairs line-from Unanticipated Revenues
• $13,233.00 to State Grants Budget-Community Juvenile Services Brd. Grant line-from Unanticipated Revenues
• $500.00 to the Fire Fund Budget-Fire Fund Donations Zone 21-from Unanticipated Revenues
Dated this 3rd day of May, 2022
Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman, Jeanne A.
Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman and Fred M. Devish, Member.
State of Wyoming }
County of Crook }
Signed or attested before me on May 3, 2022 by Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman, Jeanne A. Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman and Fred M. Devish, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.
Linda Fritz, Crook County Clerk
Fred seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Jeanne moved to transfer funds as follows: Pursuant to Wyoming Statute 16-4-112, notice is given that a Resolution has been proposed to transfer the following funds. Notice is further given that a hearing of the Board of Crook County Commissioners of Crook County, Wyoming will be held on June 7, 2022 at 8:30 o’clock a.m. to consider such proposed resolutions:
• $260,000.00 to the Sheriff budget-Spillman/Flex System (Arpa) from Emergency Reserves
Fred seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Fred moved to approve and for the Chairman to sign the Information Technology Gap Audit Proposal from Golden West Technologies. Jeanne seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
The following monthly collections were collected:
County Clerk $15,739.59
County Sheriff $34,408.96
Clerk of District Court $5,731.50
Circuit Court $15,919.00
Public Health (March) $5,088.55
Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer submitted the following monthly report of receipts and disbursements for month end April 2022:
Receipts: Property Tax $1,366,449.13
Sales Tax $173,410.60
Misc Receipts $560,636.13
County Auto $183,583.06
Total $2,284,078.92
Disbursements Towns $81,286.08
County Boards/Districts $20,258.68
State & Local School $85,293.14
DOT/DOR/Rebate $171,839.07
Redemption $0
Total $358,676.97
Investments Sundance State Bank $1,750,000.00
Wyo-Star $411,824.44 $114.90 March interest
Wyoming Class $1,001,335.92 $191.09 March interest
The following bills were presented to the Board:
Claimant-Description-Amount Allowed:
Total Wages and Cell Phone Stipend-$228,178.14;AFLAC-Insurance-$2,160.26;Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming-Health Insurance-$64,206.00;Clerk of the District Court-Garnishment-$413.00;Col. Life & Accident Ins. Co.-Insurance-$48.07;Crook County Payroll Tax Account-Withholding & Social Security-$66,744.83;Delta Dental of Wyoming-Dental Insurance-$2,776.00;Great-West Trust Company, LLC-Deferred Compensation-$2,535.00;NCPERS Wyoming-Life Insurance-$160.00;New York Life Insurance Company-Life Insurance-$607.96;VSP-Vision Insurance-$728.92;WY Department of Workforce Services-Worker’s Compensation-$9,082.27;Wyoming Retirement System-Retirement-$51,700.88;Wyoming Educator’s Benefit Trust-Life Insurance-$216.32;911 Supply-Uniform Shirts-$210.98;A & B Business Inc-Copies-$397.55;Aimee R Holt-Mileage & Meals-$369.47;All Around Hardware-Parts-$105.94;Alsco-Shop & Courthouse Supplies-$329.85;American Welding & Gas, Inc.-Parts-$507.24;Animal Medical Center of Wyoming, LLC-K9 Medical-$117.00;April D. Gill-Cell Phone Reimbursement-$45.00;AT&T Mobility-Cell Phone-$587.62;BAM Document Destruction & Recycling LLC-Document Shredding-$2,957.00;Big Horn Tire Inc.-Batteries & Tires-$2,165.00;Bighorn Hydraulics Inc-Parts-$106.59;Bio-Medical Devices Intl Inc-Hood-$1,379.54;BKT Welding & Fabrication-Parts-$6,390.00;Black Hills Chemical Co.-Jail & Courthouse Supplies-$1,109.42;Black Hills Energy-Electricity -$141.09;Black Hills Equipment Rentals-Power Cutter-$1,254.99;Black Hills Psychology-Pysch Eval-$280.00;Bulldogger Services, Inc-Sod Mulcher-$37,374.68;Campbell County Prevention Council-Table for Well Coalition Members-$100.00;CBH Co-op-Fuel-$24,647.68;Centurylink-E911 Telephone-$1,396.95;City of Gillette-Water-$6.50;City of Sundance-Water-$3,624.06;Climate Solutions Inc-HVAC Repairs-$254.00;Collins Communications-Parts, Labor, Tower Rent, Alarm Monitoring-$3,871.00;Contractors Supply Inc.-Parts-$319.63;Croell Inc-Auto Gate Block-$8,450.00;Crook County Medical Services District-Inmate Medical, Prisoner Foods & Meals-$8,189.62;Crook County Natural Resource District-County Funding-$13,750.00;Crook County Treasurer-Postage-$230.19;Curtis Williamson Jr-Meals & Fuel-$256.42;Decker’s Market-Supplies-$5.37;Donna’s Diner II-Meal-$200.00;Dru Consulting LLC-Consulting Services-$2,356.24;Fedex-Postage-$12.17;Floyds Truck Center WY-Parts & Repairs-$1,181.29;Four Aces Fabrication LLC-Fire Storage Building-$37,250.00;Godfrey Brake Service & Supply-Parts-$101.28;Green’s Alignment-Labor-$58.58;Grimm’s Pump & Industrial Supply-Parts & Labor-$17,406.64;HDR Engineering, Inc.-Professional Services-$10,721.25;Hill’s Interiors, Inc.-Flooring & Installation-Treasurer & District Court-$18,568.59;Hulett Chamber of Commerce-Annual Membership - Be Well Coalition-$50.00;Hulett Hardware-Parts-$546.76;Humphrey Law LLC-Court Appointed Attorney Fees-$1,150.10;Industrial Communications & Electronics Inc-E911 Service-$178.50;Jeanne Whalen-Mileage & Meals-$128.15;Jeffrey Hodge-Cell Phone Reimbursement-$45.00;JW Services, LLC-Contract Hauling -$1,387.87;Kathleen R Allen-Reimbursement-$25.00;KLH Consulting Inc-Computer Services, Hard Drive Replacement-$11,552.34;Knecht Home Center of Spearfish LLC-Parts, Panels, Counter Top-$539.90;Lakeview Wash & Storage-Car Washes-$187.38;Leo Riley & Co-County Audit-$16,450.00;Local Government Liability Pool-Library & Fair Renewal-$2,338.00;Marco Technologies LLC-Copy / Maint. Fee-$73.63;Max Robert Masters-GIS Consulting & Mapping Contract-$3,400.00;Motorola Solutions, Inc.-First 1/2 Flex System Payment-$257,703.08;National Council for Mental Wellbeing-Manuals & Processing Guides-$722.50;Office of the State Public Defender-State Public Defender Share FY2022-$16,283.29;Plainsman Printing, Inc.-Mylar Labels-$24.45;Powder River Energy Corp.-Electricity -$6,935.29;Protech Computing Services-KVM Switch-$49.95;Quadient Leasing USA Inc-Postage Machine Lease-$403.02;Quality Hardware & Supply-Parts-$360.00;Quill Corporation-Office Supplies-$425.18;R&S Northeast LLC-Medications-$19.67;Range Telephone Cooperative Inc-Telephone-$7,015.04;Record Supply Inc-Parts-$985.66;RG Trucking-Contract Hauling -$506.00;Robert’s Machine & Repair-Parts & Labor-$3,659.85;Rolling Metal Sinclair-Fuel-$206.84;Sign Boss-Signs-$406.60;Sign Solutions-Signs-$1,699.56;Source Management Inc-File Cabinet, Office Supplies-$1,812.86;State of Wyoming-Archives Storage-$5.34;Sundance Dental Clinic-Inmate Dental -$62.00;Sundance Electric Inc-Parts & Labor-$10,380.90;Sundance Hardware & Sporting Goods-Parts & Supplies-$355.00;Sundance State Bank-Direct Deposit Fees-$10.46;Sundance Times-Ads, Subscriptions, Legal-$1,067.00;Sylvestri Customization-Monthly Website Maint., Graphic Design & Social Media-$600.00;Thos. Y. Pickett & Co., Inc.-Final Installment - Valuation Contract-$11,000.00;Timberline Services Inc.-Rip Rap-$576.00;Tongue River Communications-Jail Cable -$91.00;Top Office Products, Inc.-Copies, Pens, Canned Air-$318.67;Town of Hulett-Water-$60.30;Town of Moorcroft-Water & Fuel Reimbursement-$148.12;Tracy Motor Company-Parts & Supplies-$2,463.89;Vander Haags Inc-Transmission-$2,499.99;Vilas Pharmacy-Jail Meds, Supplies-$319.74;Visa-Adobe, Internet, Vehicle Repairs, Office Supplies, Travel Expenses, Training, Laptop, Postage, Straight Talk, -$10,904.78;W Bar Feed & Ranch Supply-Tire Repair-$105.00;Western Stationers-Office Supplies-$32.94;Windstream-Telephone-$148.21;WY Department of Workforce Services-Worker’s Compensation-$482.73;WY Office of Guardian Ad Litem-GAL Fees-$9,778.25;WY Retirement System-Firemen’s Retirement -$637.50;WY Secretary of State-Notary Public Applications-$360.00;WY State Forestry Division-Pump-$5,269.17;WYDOT Motor Vehicle Division-Vehicle Plates-$4.00;WYDOT-Financial Services-Project Expenditures-$7.24;Wyoming Machinery Company-Parts, Labor, Service-$8,654.34;Total-$1,041,958.11;
Jeanne moved to allow all bills as presented. Fred seconded, all ayes, motion carried. A complete, detailed listing of the monthly expenditures can be found on the county website. They can be found under the County Budget tab and are listed as “Monthly Accounts Payable/Payroll Payments”.
Fred moved to approve a letter of permission for the Historic Aladdin LLC dba Aladdin General Store, to pursue a Special Twenty-Four Hour Catering Permit from the Town of Hulett for the Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot taking place from May 5 through May 7, 2022. Jeanne seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
The board is in recess at 9:00 until the next scheduled agenda item.
Back into regular session at 9:30.
Jeff Hodge, County Sheriff, Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer, Joseph Baron, County Attorney, Tina Wood, Clerk of District Court and Theresa Curren, County Assessor were present to go over items of interest within their departments.
Linda Fritz, County Clerk: Melissa and I attended a Clerk’s meeting in Lander (primarily focused on administering the upcoming election), office made 324 titles and recorded 513 documents, one new staff member being trained, another to be hired to replace Chris as she took a different job, Linda and Melissa working together on budget and elections to train Melissa for when Linda leaves, worked with some special districts on compliance, Linda held a board member/special district director training session, worked on the 5th cent resolution and contacted all municipalities, Aimee went to Wyo-Reg training in Cheyenne, Melissa has been working on forms for the compensation committee, office has been very busy.
Jeff Hodge, County Sheriff: Presented the jail roster, call statistics, discussed the open position in dispatch, one detention officer resigned, Jeff attended the WASCOP meeting and is the President of WASCOP, will be looking at another carrier for cable tv for the jail as the current carrier is pulling out of Sundance, office has been busy.
Tina Wood, Clerk of District Court: Working on budget, working on compensation committee to put the policy handbook together, had a jury trial last week, office has been busy.
Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer: Total receipts were $2,284,078.92 and disbursements to the county, county boards, towns and schools were $1,162,683.45. In April we did 2,113 transactions. I worked on the office budget and turned it in the Clerk’s office. Invested $1,750.00.00 at Sundance State Bank in a CD until August 2022. Met and visited with Troy Hunsucker with Wyoming Class about investments. Had a zoom meeting with the other county treasurers about the upcoming transportation committee meeting in Casper. Had a technology review with Tom Overstreet with KLH. Advertised in all county papers a reminder about 2nd half payment of property tax is due May 10th. We participated in the annual shredding. Brenda is working on digitizing the property tax redemptions. She is currently on the late 1920’s.
Joe Baron, County Attorney: Joe: New Cases: 22 Closed Cases: 26 Current Case Load: 89 In Court: 21
Lynda: New Cases: 23 Closed Cases: 21 Current Case Load: 84 In Court: 27
Lynda Bush was nominated as one of three candidates for the Circuit Court Judge and had interviewed with the Governor. She was appointed Circuit Court Judge on April 29. The job pays $145,000.00 per year. So started job search immediately. We continue to hold court in person and less and less by Video Conference with TEAMS, and both review multiple law enforcement investigations and cases. We are starting to get our case management software set up in the office. Joe dealt with the County civil matters including but not limited to the following:
Started researching County planning and how different zoning rules could be imposed by the County Commissioners. Presented draft of Large Lot Rules to Land Use Planning and Zoning Commission. Research upcoming Forest Service Plan documents and attend several video meetings, work with Dru Brower.
Bond reviews: Town Clerk. Legal advice for elected officials and concerning duties. Prepare Elected Salary Resolution. County Road matters – Reviewed and approved FRTA Easements from Forest Service for County Road No. 246 and 247. Worked with County Clerk and provided information to viewer on the petition to vacate Road No. 807 and 21. Public Road matters --- Completed the alteration of South Mountain Road No. 280.
Special district matters --- Reviewed concerning Forest Service Plan affect on the District Water supply
FUNDING Prepared County Attorney Budget and Budget B-26 with Clerk of District Court. Legislature ---Managing State Budget Item 160 attended budget meeting and correspondence. Title 25 – Joe was able to save the County $759.00 by declining a bill that was not a county commitment proceeding, for a total savings of $37,433.00 this fiscal year. Contract Reviews – I reviewed the following contracts, MOU’s, Grants and funding agreements in the past month: IT Audit contract review.
Theresa Curren, County Assessor: The Assessor’s office mailed Notice of Assessments on April 7th. The end of the 30-day protest period ends Monday, May 9th. Assessments were all up this year countywide. Discussed increased assessments nationwide. Discussed laws that were trying to be passed either freezing assessments or putting caps on how much an assessment can increase in one year.
County Commissioners: Jeanne: Went to an Outdoor Rec Collaborative Meeting, broadband meeting, took some citizen phone calls, lots of meetings (one in Rapid City) and calls regarding the Black Hills National plan revision. Kelly: Went to the Carlile Water District meeting, went to other board meetings, lots of phone calls regarding taxes and roads. Fred: Went to Rapid City for a meeting on the Black Hills National Forest plan revision, got calls from citizens regarding taxes, call on the proposed Carlile Water District, attended fire meetings, going to Commissioner meetings in Jackson, WY starting tomorrow.
After discussion, Fred moved to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-13
(Setting Salaries of County Officials for the next term of Office)
WHEREAS Article 14 Section 3 of the Wyoming Constitution the legislature shall by law designate county offices and fix their salaries wherein the legislature delegated that duty to the Board of County Commissioners according to Wyoming State Statute 18-3-107 who cannot change the salary once fixed according to Article 3 Section 32 of the Wyoming Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners are required to set the salaries of various County officials on or before June 1, 2022, in accordance with Wyoming Statute §18-3-107 for the next four-year term of office commencing on the first Monday in January 2023 through the first Monday in January 2026; and
WHEREAS, Wyoming Statute § 18-3-107 allows the county commissioners to only adjust elected county public official salaries every four (4) years and to set salaries at no more than $145,000 per year and a salary cannot be change once it is set by the board of county commissioners during the term of office; and
WHEREAS there is one (1) county commissioner position that is in the middle of its four (4) year term of office and the salary of that term of office cannot be changed until on or before June 1, 2024 for the term of office beginning the first Monday in January 2025; and
WHEREAS there are two (2) four (4) year term county commissioner positions that will commence on the first Monday of January 2023; and
WHEREAS Wyoming Statute § 18-3-106 allows the county commissioners to designate the office of county and prosecuting attorney as full-time and designates as full-time the offices of clerk, assessor, treasurer, clerk of district court, and sheriff; and
WHEREAS Wyoming Statute § 18-3-303 (b) allows the county commissioners to prohibit the county attorney or their deputies from engaging in the private practice of law either directly or indirectly and the county commissioners have never done so; and
WHEREAS the State of Wyoming will match and pay an additional $50,000 of the County and Prosecuting Attorney’s salary pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 18-3-107 (f); and
WHEREAS the county commissioners have in the past designated the office of county coroner as part-time; and
WHEREAS county elected officials’ salaries were last raised in four (4) years ago $1,700 per year, has not kept up with inflation and the county employees have received cost of living raises of 9% plus a one-time $3,600 premium pay in the past three years and a cost of living increase for 2022, and the cost of living increased 10.4% for NE Wyoming in 2021 and the elected officials’ salaries need to be raised to match inflation, the employees’ salaries and projected cost of living; and
WHEREAS our county’s most valuable resource is our employees and elected officials; and
WHEREAS the salaries should be divisible by twelve (12) to comply with W. S. 18-3-108, to be paid in equal monthly payments.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming that the following elected public officials of Crook County shall receive the following annual salaries beginning January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023:
Official Salary
Clerk $ 74,000.00
Treasurer $ 74,000.00
Assessor $ 74,000.00
Clerk of Court $ 74,000.00
Sheriff $ 87,000.00
County and Prosecuting Attorney $145,000.00
(2) Part-time County Commissioners $ 27,000.00
Part-time County Coroner $ 45,000.00
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming that the following elected public officials of Crook County shall receive the following annual salaries beginning January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024:
Official Salary
Clerk $ 78,000.00
Treasurer $ 78,000.00
Assessor $ 78,000.00
Clerk of Court $ 78,000.00
Sheriff $ 92,000.00
County and Prosecuting Attorney $145,000.00
(2) Part-time County Commissioners $ 29,000.00
Part-time County Coroner $ 48,000.00
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming that the following elected public officials of Crook County shall receive the following annual salaries beginning January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025:
Official Salary
Clerk $ 82,000.00
Treasurer $ 82,000.00
Assessor $ 82,000.00
Clerk of Court $ 82,000.00
Sheriff $ 97,000.00
County and Prosecuting Attorney $145,000.00
(2) Part-time County Commissioners $ 31,000.00
Part-time County Coroner $ 51,000.00
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming that the following elected public officials of Crook County shall receive the following annual salaries beginning January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026:
Official Salary
Clerk $ 86,000.00
Treasurer $ 86,000.00
Assessor $ 86,000.00
Clerk of Court $ 86,000.00
Sheriff $102,000.00
County and Prosecuting Attorney $145,000.00
(2) Part-time County Commissioners $ 33,000.00
Part-time County Coroner $ 54,000.00
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the county commissioners and coroner shall be a part-time office; and that on or before June 1, 2024, the board of county commissioners shall meet to set the salary of the county commissioner whose term commences on the first Monday in January 2025.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 18-3-106 and 18-3-303 (b) that the county and prosecuting attorney and their deputies shall be full-time, and both may engage in the private practice of law as determined by the county and prosecuting attorney that is not in conflict with the duties of the county and prosecuting attorney.
RESOLUTION PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners on the 3rd day of May, 2022.
Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman, Jeanne A.
Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman and Fred M. Devish, Member.
State of Wyoming }
County of Crook }
Signed or attested before me on May 3, 2022 by Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman, Jeanne A. Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman and Fred M. Devish, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.
Linda Fritz, Crook County Clerk
Jeanne seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Morgan Ellsbury, Road and Bridge Superintendent and Larry Schommer, Facilities Maintenance Foreman, gave their monthly reports.
The Board had a working lunch while Crook County Natural Resource District gave an informative presentation on the community assistance they offer and how the funds they receive are spent.
1:00 o’clock p.m. Present were Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairwoman Jeanne A. Whalen, Member Fred M. Devish and County Clerk Linda Fritz.
The following people gave monthly reports: Carol Stutzman, Public Health Nurse, Jill Mackey, County Library Director, and she introduced Bonnie Stahla who will be the new director at the end of June, Carolyn Fowler, Secretary, Fair Board and Sara Fleenor, UW Area Educator.
Tim Lyons, Growth and Development Administrator, gave a monthly report.
Present for the hearing on polling place changes were Melissa Jones, Joe Baron and Sarah Pridgeon. With no objections having been received, Jeanne moved to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION 2022-14
2022 ELECTION DISTRICTS AND PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES
WHEREAS, Pursuant to W.S. 22-7-101, the Board of County Commissioners, with the advice or recommendation of the County Clerk, no later than the first meeting in May in every general election year, shall divide the County into not more than thirty (30) Election Districts;
WHEREAS, on May 3, 2022, the Board of County Commissioners made a motion to accept the 2022 Districts and Precincts for the 2022 election.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Election Districts and Precincts and polling places are to be set for the next two (2) years in Crook County.
Election Districts & Precincts Name of Precinct Polling Place Location
01-01 Sundance Inside North Courthouse Basement, 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance
01-02 Sundance Inside South Courthouse Basement, 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance
02-02 Sundance Outside Courthouse Basement, 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance
03-03 Beulah NE Wyoming Welcome Center, 5266 Old Hwy 14, Beulah
07-07 Aladdin Aladdin Community Building, 3997 State Hwy 24, Aladdin
09-09 Alva Greater Hulett Community Center, 401 Sager Street, Hulett
11-11 Tower Junction RAM Center, 18048 US Hwy 14, Sundance
12-12 Elmore Barton Ranch Voting Booth, 48 Inyan Kara Creek Road, Sundance
13-13 Hulett Outside Greater Hulett Community Center, 401 Sager Street, Hulett
14-14 Hulett Inside Greater Hulett Community Center, 401 Sager Street, Hulett
15-15 Pine Haven Town of Pine Haven Community Center, 3 Meadows Lane, Pine Haven
16-16 Moorcroft Outside Moorcroft Town Center, 103 S. Belle Fourche Avenue, Moorcroft
18-01 Moorcroft West Side Moorcroft Town Center, 103 S. Belle Fourche Avenue, Moorcroft
18-02 Moorcroft East Side Moorcroft Town Center, 103 S. Belle Fourche Avenue, Moorcroft
23-23 New Haven Greater Hulett Community Center, 401 Sager Street, Hulett
24-24 Colony Colony Community Building, 471 US Hwy 212, Colony
26-26 Oshoto Oshoto Fire Hall, 1753 D Road, Oshoto
Absentee Counting Center Per W.S. 22-9-125(a)(i) Courthouse Jury Room, 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance
Absentee Polling Place Per W.S. 22-9-125(a)(ii) County Clerk’s Office, Courthouse, 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance
The countywide Absentee Polling Place at the Courthouse in Sundance will be open from 8-5 Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, beginning July 1, 2022 through August 17, 2022. You may cast your vote on a paper ballot and then deposit the voted ballot directly into the DS200 (vote counter).
Motion made, seconded and carried in an open meeting on May 3, 2022.
Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman, Jeanne A.
Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman and Fred M. Devish, Member.
State of Wyoming }
County of Crook }
Signed or attested before me on May 3, 2022 by Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman, Jeanne A. Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman and Fred M. Devish, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.
Linda Fritz, Crook County Clerk
Fred seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Doug Leis, County Fire Warden and Ed Robinson, Homeland Security County Coordinator, gave their monthly reports.
Present for the monthly I.T. update were Tom Overstreet, Pro River Technology (via Teams), Tina Wood, Joe Baron, Tammy Jundt, Theresa Curren and Melissa Jones.
Nathan Smolinski, Program Manager with WYDOT and Daniel Staffan, Solutions Consultant, FirstNet were present to discuss cell phone services in the County and emergency services.
The meeting adjourned at 4:52 o’clock p.m.
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
8:30 o’clock a.m. Present were Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairwoman Jeanne A. Whalen and County Clerk Linda Fritz.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the Flag.
Preston Beckstead, Resident Engineer, Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), gave an update on bridge and road projects.
Morgan Ellsbury, Road and Bridge Superintendent and Larry Schommer, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, continued their monthly reports.
Theresa Curren, County Assessor, presented the following tax refund: R0003698. Jeanne moved to approve the tax refund as presented. Kelly vacated the chair and seconded. Jeanne voted aye. Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye. Motion carried.
Tim Lyons, Growth and Development Administrator, discussed buying an employee ID card maker with the Board.
After receiving Ordinances in favor of the continuation of the 1% Sales/Use Tax (the 5th cent) from the City of Sundance, Town of Moorcroft, Town of Pine Haven and the Town of Hulett, Jeanne moved to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE NO. 2022-15
CONTINUATION OF THE 1% SALES/USE TAX (the 5th cent)
FOR GENERAL PURPOSES
WHEREAS, an excise tax of 1% (the 5th cent) to be used for general purposes has been imposed, following the last approval by the electorate in 1990 and has been continued by the city, towns and county in Crook County, Wyoming every four (4) years since that time in accordance with Wyoming Statute 39-6-412 which was amended in 1998 to Wyoming Statute 39-15-203 and 39-16-203; and
WHEREAS, under the provisions of Wyoming Statute 39-15-203(a)(i)(F)(II) and 39-16-203(a)(i)(F)(II), such tax may be continued without the requirement of further, periodic reapprovals by the electorate at a general election if favorably supported by a resolution adopted by the County and an ordinance adopted by at least a majority of the incorporated municipalities within the County at least 90 days prior to the election at which such reapproval would have been necessary; and
WHEREAS, all of the incorporated municipalities in Crook County, Wyoming, which includes the Towns of Hulett, Moorcroft, Pine Haven, and City of Sundance, have enacted and passed Ordinances that “support and endorse the continuation of the 1% excise tax imposed on all retail sales of tangible personal property, admissions and services and upon sales, storage, use and consumption of tangible personal property in Crook County, Wyoming, authorized under Wyoming Statute 39-15-204(a)(i) and 39-16-204(a)(i);” and
WHEREAS, Crook County endorses and supports the continuation of the 1% (the 5th cent) excise tax to be used for general purposes, imposed on all retail sales of tangible personal property, admissions and services, and upon sales, storage, use and consumption of tangible personal property in Crook County, Wyoming, authorized under Wyoming Statute 39-15-204(a)(i) and 39-16-204(a)(i) for the purpose of general revenue for Crook County, Wyoming; and
WHEREAS, no impact assistance payments authorized by the Industrial Siting Council upon the construction of a qualifying industrial facility shall be made to Crook County and its municipalities pursuant to W. S. 39-15-111 (c) for any period in which the county fails to impose at least a 1% (the 5th cent) excise tax to be used for general purposes, authorized under Wyoming Statute 39-15-204 (a) (i) and 39-16-204 (a) (i); or at least a total of a two percent (2%) sales tax authorized under Wyoming Statute 39-15-204(a) (i), (iii), (vi), and 39-16-204(a) (i), (ii), (v); and
WHEREAS, the proposition to terminate the continuation of the excise tax shall be at the expense of the county and be submitted to the electors of the county upon the receipt by the Board of County Commissioners of a petition requesting the election signed by at least five percent (5%) of the electors of the county or of a resolution terminating the proposition from the governing body of the county and the governing bodies of at least twothirds (2/3) of the incorporated municipalities within the county. If proposed by petition by electors, the number of electors required shall be determined by the number of votes cast at the last general election. The election shall be at the direction and under the supervision of the Board of County Commissioners.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN AND FOR CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING, to support and endorse the continuation of the 1% (5th cent) excise tax imposed on all retail sales of tangible personal property, admissions and services and upon sales, storage, use and consumption of tangible personal property in Crook County, Wyoming, authorized under Wyoming Statute 39-15-204(a)(i) and 39-16-204(a)(i) to be used for general purposes to be distributed to the City of Sundance, Towns of Moorcroft, Hulett and Pine Haven, and Crook County as required by law.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN AND FOR CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING, that the following Resolution and/or Ordinance be adopted:
Section 1: Crook County hereby imposes and authorizes the continuation of the 1% excise tax imposed on all retail sales of tangible personal property, admissions and services, and upon sales, storage, use and consumption of tangible personal property made within Crook County, Wyoming, authorized by Wyoming Statute 39-15-204(a)(i) and 39-16-204(a)(i).
Section 2: The provisions of Wyoming Statute 39-15-101 et seq. Article 1 Chapter 15 are hereby adopted by reference except for Wyoming Statute 39-15-102(a), and Wyoming Statute 39-16-101 et seq. Article 1 Chapter 16 are hereby adopted by reference except for Wyoming Statute 39-16-102(a), insofar as it relates to sales taxes, except that the name of “Crook County” as the taxing agency shall be substituted for that of the “State” and an additional license to engage in business shall not be required if the vendor has been issued a state license pursuant to law.
Section 3: Any amendment made to Title 39 Chapter 16 not in conflict with Article 1 of Chapter 15 or to Chapter 16 shall automatically become a part of this sales tax resolution and or ordinance; and any amendment made to Title 39 Chapter 15 not in conflict with Article 1 of Chapter 16 or to Chapter 15 shall automatically become a part of this sales tax resolution and or ordinance.
Section 4: Crook County shall contract with the Department of Revenue of the State of Wyoming prior to the effective date of the County sales tax ordinance whereby the Department of Revenue shall perform all functions incident to the administration of this sales tax ordinance.
Section 5: The amount subject to the tax shall not include the amount of any sales imposed by the State of Wyoming.
Section 6: If any part of this Resolution and Ordinance is invalid the remaining portion shall be construed in such a manner as to remain valid.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall immediately certify to the County Treasurer that a sufficient number of resolutions and ordinances to continue the tax have been adopted at least 90 days prior to the election and the County Treasurer shall, within five (5) days of the undersigned date, notify the Department of Revenue of the State of Wyoming of the foregoing, and such tax shall be continued until it is terminated in the manner provided by law.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Crook County Commissioners on the 5th day of May, 2022.
Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman, Jeanne A.
Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman and Fred M. Devish, Member (Absent).
State of Wyoming }
County of Crook }
Signed or attested before me on May 5, 2022 by Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman, Jeanne A. Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman and Fred M. Devish, Member (Absent), Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.
Linda Fritz, Crook County Clerk
Kelly vacated the chair and seconded. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
After discussion, Jeanne moved to approve a letter to be submitted to Roger Connett, Crook County Republican Party Chairman, as official notice of the resignation of Linda Fritz, Crook County Clerk, effective May 31, 2022. Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
Jeanne moved to appoint Melissa L. Jones as the interim County Clerk, effective June 1, 2022, until the official appointment is made to fill the vacancy. Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
Present for discussion on the salary matrix were Melissa Jones, Morgan Ellsbury, Tina Wood, Jeff Hodge, Joe Baron and Theresa Curren. The Board was updated as to the progress being made on the salary matrix.
Jeanne moved to approve sending a letter to the Forest Service regarding the planning assessments for the Black Hills National Forest. Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
Adjourned for lunch at 12:04 o’clock p.m.
1:00 o’clock p.m. Present were Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairwoman Jeanne A. Whalen and County Clerk Linda Fritz.
The following people provided monthly reports: Alycia Davis, Office Manager, Weed & Pest, Bridget Helms, Office Manager, Sarah Anderson, Program Coordinator and Jessica Halversen, CCNRD and Dru Bower, DJ&A (via Teams). Also present were Jordan Fischer, Field Representative for Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Senator Ogden Driskill.
After discussion, Jeanne moved to appoint Tim Lyons as the Crook County GIS Point of Contact for the Forest Service Plan. Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
Present for the hearing on requests for bike rally special permits was Melissa Jones.
Jeanne moved to approve the following malt/catering permits for rally week:
Special Twenty-Four-Hour Catering Permit:
Buffalo Jump Hospitality Partners LLC dba Sand Creek Trading Post: August 9-12, 2022 for rally (contingent upon receiving the additional $300 in fees)
Twenty-Four Malt Beverage Permit:
Tim Davis- August 7-11, 2022 for rally
Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
Jeanne moved to approve the following Special Twenty-Four-Hour Catering Permits:
Buffalo Jump Hospitality Partners LLC dba Sand Creek Trading Post: June 4, 2022 for a the Testicle Festival
Buffalo Jump Hospitality Partners LLC dba Sand Creek Trading Post: July 23, 2022 for the Creek Float.
Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
The Board reviewed the applications received for the Crook County Commissioners Scholarships. Jeanne moved to award the Crook County Commissioners Scholarships to the following applicants:
Hulett recipient: Jamie Donahue (from Moorcroft-no Hulett apps received)
Hulett alternate: Leo Lyons (from Sundance-no Hulett apps received)
Sundance recipient: Ella Bifulco
Sundance alternate: Nate Schommer
Moorcroft recipient: Malerie Stanley
Moorcroft alternate: Char Cranston
Renewal: Tori Wheeler
Renewal Alternate: Taylor Reynolds
Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
Jeanne moved to transfer funds as follows: Pursuant to Wyoming Statute 16-4-112, notice is given that a Resolution has been proposed to transfer the following funds. Notice is further given that a hearing of the Board of Crook County Commissioners of Crook County, Wyoming will be held on June 7, 2022 at 8:30 o’clock a.m. to consider such proposed resolutions:
• $2,000.00 to the Clerk budget-Deputy Clerk Salary-from Unanticipated Revenues due to a budget shortfall
• $4,000.00 to the Clerk budget-Clerk 2 Salary-from Unanticipated Revenues due to a budget shortfall
• $4,000.00 to the Assessor budget-Vehicle Repair- from Unanticipated Revenues due to a budget shortfall
• $2,000.00 to the Clerk of District Court budget-Supplies- from Unanticipated Revenues due to a budget shortfall
Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
Jeanne moved to remove Char Cranston as the Moorcroft Alternate recipient as she did not qualify because she is not attending a Wyoming college which doesn’t meet the requirement of the scholarship. Oakley Viergets was named as the Moorcroft Alternate recipient. Kelly vacated the chair and seconded the motion. Jeanne voted aye, Kelly vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.
On June 7, 2022 at 1:00 o’clock p.m. the Board will make the following Board appointments:
One Crook County Library Board Member – Three Year Terms
One 6th Judicial District Child Support Board Member-Three Year Term
One Promotion Board Member-Three Year Term
All interested parties are encouraged to apply. Applications can be obtained from the Crook County Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 37, Sundance, WY 82729, 307-283-1323. All applications must be submitted to the County Clerk by or before June 1, 2022 at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
On June 8, 2022 at 1:00 o’clock p.m. the Board will make the following Board appointments:
Two Crook County Land Use Planning and Zoning Commission Board Members – Three Year Terms
All interested parties are encouraged to apply. Applications can be obtained from the Crook County Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 37, Sundance, WY 82729, 307-283-1323. All applications must be submitted to the County Clerk by or before June 1, 2022 at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
The Board requested that all applicants for the CCLUP&ZC come to the meeting to visit with the Board before they appoint the position.
The Board of Crook County Commissioners is requesting bids for property insurance for a one-year term, starting July 1, 2022. All bids must be submitted to the Crook County Clerk, P.O. Box 37, Sundance, WY 82729, by or before June 3, 2022 at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 2:55 o’clock p.m. to meet in regular session on June 7 & 8, 2022 at 8:30 o’clock a.m. in the Commissioner Room at the Courthouse in Sundance, Wyoming.
Kelly B. Dennis, Chairman Jeanne A. Whalen, Vice-Chairwoman
Fred M. Devish, Member Attested: Linda Fritz, County Clerk
Publish: May 19, 2022