Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT THE COURTHOUSE IN SUNDANCE, CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
8:30 o’clock a.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the Flag.
Bob moved to approve and ratify the minutes from April 2 & 3, 2024. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Bob moved to approve and ratify the BOE minutes from April 2, 2024. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
After discussion, Kelly moved per W.S. 9-4-504 to give 5% ($8,442.76) of the Forest Reserve Funds to the School General Fund and the remaining balance ($160,412.41) to the Road and Bridge Fund. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Bob moved to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-11
FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT
WHEREAS Crook County adopted the Fiscal Year 2024 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.
• $500,000.00 to CRF Fund Rd Construction & Maintenace – From Uncommitted CRF Funds
Dated this 7th day of May, 2024
Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member.
State of Wyoming }
County of Crook }
Signed or attested before me on May 7, 2024, by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman, and Bob Latham, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.
Melissa Jones, Crook County Clerk
Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Kelly moved to approve the Sundance Law Enforcement Services Agreement between Crook County, County Sheriff and the City of Sundance for law enforcement services. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Bob moved to approve the Pine Haven Patrol Agreement between Crook County and the Town of Pine Haven for patrol services. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
After discussion, Bob moved to approve and for the chairman to sign an Agreement to Cover the Costs of Vacating a Portion of County Road No. 51 known as the Hulett Prairie Creek County Road contingent upon receiving the signed agreement from Mr. & Mrs. Jahnig. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
The following bills were presented to the Board:
Claimant-Description-Amount Allowed:
Total Wages and Cell Phone Stipend-$271,942.09;The Master’s Touch, LLC-Notice of Assessments Mailing Services-$4,388.93;AFLAC-Insurance-$2,671.64;Clerk of the District Court-Garnishment-$226.00;Crook County Payroll Tax Account-Withholding & Social Security-$81,788.39;Great-West Trust Company, LLC-Deferred Compensation-$4,480.00;NCPERS Wyoming-Life Insurance-$144.00;New York Life Insurance Company-Life Insurance-$379.78;WY Department of Workforce Services-Worker’s Compensation-$6,007.76;Wyoming Retirement System-Retirement-$63,152.00;Wyoming Educator’s Benefit Trust-Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance-$80,793.96;A & B Business Inc-Copies -$785.88;A-1 Transmission Specialists-Vehicle Repair -$1,182.80;Alana Greiner-Mileage-$23.45;Alsco-Shop & Courthouse Supplies-$368.04;April D. Gill-Cell Phone Reimbursement-$45.00;Arete Design Group-Construction Documentation-$50,099.00;AT&T Mobility-Cell Phone-$981.38;Bam Document Destruction & Recycling LLC-Shredding -$2,080.00;Beowulf Industrial Sewing -Curtain for Dozer-$800.00;Big Horn Tires Inc.-Batteries, Tires & Brakes-$3,122.24;Black Hills Chemical Co.-Courthouse Supplies-$1,408.50;Black Hills Energy-Electricity -$61.24;Black Hills Truck & Trailer-Parts-$1,209.68;Blakeman Propane Inc -Propane-$1,573.60;Brannan Trucking Inc -Contract Hauling -$29,082.50;CBH Co-op-Fuel-$33,609.45;Centurylink-E911 Telephone-$1400.42;City of Gillette-Water-$7.50;City of Sundance-Water-$1,604.52;Clerk of Court - Douglas County-Records-$20.25;Coffee Cup Fuel Stop-Fuel-$52.90;Colin Shamion Trucking -Contract Hauling -$5,290.33;Collins Communications-Fire Alarm Monitoring -$8,449.83;Contractors Supply Inc -Parts-$222.74;Croell Inc-Road Base & Clean-$103,087.74;Crook County Medical Services Dist.-Employee Physicals, Prisoner Meals & Foods-$3,894.76;Crook County Natural Resources District-County Funding & Trees-$18,120.00;Crook County Treasurer-Postage-$41.98;Cummins Sales & Service-Parts & Labor-$14,561.15;Custom Auto & Truck-Service, Parts, Repairs -$3,655.17;David Boon-1991 Harsco -$18,500.00;David Osborne-Mileage-$44.49;Decker’s Market-Supplies -$12.77;Dru Consulting LLC-Consulting Services -$14,106.94;Elite Edge Firearms Training & Tactics-Firearm Training -$300.00;Ensemble Solutions Group-Airlink Support-$100.00;Fence Tech Services LLC-Parts & Labor -$2,456.00;Finish Line Repair-Parts & Labor -$6,531.04;Firehosedirect-Tools-$234.90;Floyds Truck Center - Rapid City-Parts-$1,026.42;Foothills Seed Inc-Seeds & Fertilizer-$458.00;Forestry Suppliers-Parts-$2,272.04;Fred Devish-Mileage-$61.10;Galls LLC-Uniforms-$26.31;Gillette Printing Engraving Co Inc-Decals-$991.42;Glaxosmithkline-Vaccines -$3,787.84;Good Electric Inc-Parts & Labor -$3,235.57;Heimans Fire Equipment -Parts-$875.55;Horning Horning & McGrath LLC-Court Appointed Attorney-$288.64;Hub Int’l Mountain States LTD-Endorsement-$379.00;Humphrey Law LLC -Court Appointed Attorney-$1,759.30;Impressions Embroidery-Hats & Embroidery-$1,040.00;Integritas-Batteries & Blaster-$13.98;Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory-Indigent Burial-$1,500.00;Jeffrey Hodge-Cell Phone Reimbursement-$45.00;JW Services LLC-Contract Hauling -$3,488.88;Karen’s Delivery Co-Delivery -$39.00;Kathleen R Allen-Per Diem -$485.62;Kelly B. Dennis-Mileage-$80.40;Kimball Midwest-Parts-$664.00;KLH Consulting Inc-Computer Services-$15,228.00;Knecht Home Center of Spearfish LLC-Parts-$3,440.64;Kyle Shamion Trucking -Contract Hauling -$5,228.34;L.A.W. Trucking -Coal Hauling -$1,957.90;Lakeview Wash & Storage -Car Washes-$178.10;Laramie County District Court -Records-$34.50;Lynn Weaver-Reimbursement -$120.00;Marco Technologies LLC-Copy / Maint Fees-$83.96;Max Robert Masters-GIS Consulting & Mapping Contract-$3,400.00;Meadowlark Counseling -New Employee Evaluation -$325.00;Melissa L Jones-Mileage-$73.03;Morgan Ellsbury-Truck Lease-$1,100.00;Motorola Solutions Inc -Evidence Library Storage-$387.48;North Central International Inc -Parts-$209.32;Paradise Foods-Fuel-$565.69;Partsone LLC DBA Napa-Parts-$409.26;Performance Automatics & Service-Parts & Labor -$5,455.71;Platinum Diesel LLC-Parts & Labor -$5,296.70;Powder River Energy Corp.-Electricity -$6,246.33;Powder River Power, Div of Purvis-Part-$237.70;Print Mark-et-Reflective Decals & Raffle Tickets-$1,401.17;Quadient Leasing USA Inc-Postage Machine Lease-$516.99;Quality Agg & Construction, Inc-J Base -$3,378.37;Quill Corporation -Office Supplies-$1,584.51;Range Telephone Cooperative Inc -Telephone-$13,715.10;Raquel Croell-County Website Maintenance-$500.00;Rolling Metal Sinclair-Fuel-$120.14;Runnings Supply Inc -Parts-$406.81;Saddle Tree Ranch Trucking LLC-Contract Hauling-$3,708.60;Scott Peterson Motors Inc -Repair Bill -$6,000.00;Shamion Trucking -Contract Hauling -$2,830.67;Sign Solutions -Signs-$1,316.47;State of Wyoming-Digital Archives-$10.47;Sundance Extinguisher LLC-Annual Extinguisher Inspection-$1,786.00;Sundance Hardware & Sporting Goods-Parts & Supplies-$2,043.63;Sundance State Bank -Direct Deposit Fees-$10.39;Sundance Times-Ads, Legal Publications & Subscriptions-$2,039.64;Superior Sanitation -Servicing & Disposal -$125.00;Svoboda Trucking-Contract Hauling-$3,111.61;Sylvestri Customization-Website Maint, Graphic Design & Social Media-$600.00;Thos. Y Pickett & Co Inc-Contract Payment-$8,000.00;Timberline Services Inc -Contract Hauling -$6,085.73;Top Hat Communications-E-fax Fees-$29.98;Top Office Products, Inc.-Copies -$1,169.77;Town of Hulett-Water-$180.60;Town of Moorcroft-Water-$68.68;Tracy Motor Company-Parts & Supplies-$7,441.17;TruNorth Steel-Steel-$5,051.10;Verde Technologies-Drug Destruction Containers-$470.00;Verizon Connect Fleet USA LLC-Tracking System-$129.35;Vilas -Jail Meds & USB Drive -$81.97;Virginia Burke-Mileage & Meal -$465.92;Visa-Adobe, Supplies, Vaccine, Postage, Travel Expenses, Parts, Registration Fees, Cable, Internet, Straight Talk, Computers-$21,878.16;Visionary Broadband-Internet Service-$996.71;W Bar Feed & Ranch Supply -Softener Salt -$16.00;Wayne Altaffer-Reimbursement -$391.98;Wendy DePina-Mileage & Per Diem-$551.69;Western Communications Inc-Parts-$2,299.70;Western Stationers-Office Supplies-$549.50;Whalen Consult LLC-Consulting Services -$175.00;Wilson Power & Tree Service LLC-Stump Removal-$540.00;Windstream-Telephone -$135.74;WY Department of Health -State Nurse-$18,289.76;WY Department of Workforce Services-Worker’s Compensation-$591.34;WY Retirement System-Firemen’s Retirement-$487.50;WY Secretary of State -Notary-$60.00;WYDOT Motor Vehicle Division-New plates & Transfer-$12.00;Wyoming Association of County Ag Agents-Dues-$100.00;Wyoming Coroner’s Association-Dues -$175.00;Wyoming Machinery Company-Parts & Labor-$14,010.86;Wyoming Police Service Dog Association-K9 Dues -$60.00;Wyoming Starter & Alternator -Motor -$248.00;Total-$1,053,547.25;
Bob moved to allow all bills as presented. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
The following monthly collections were collected:
County Clerk $15,410.00
County Sheriff $33,822.82
Clerk of District Court $5,677.50
Circuit Court $10,821.00
Public Health (March) $12,137.74
Facilities $780.00
Dan Thomas, County Assessor, Joseph Baron, County Attorney, Julie Crawford, Clerk of District Court, Jeff Hodge, County Sheriff and Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer were present to go over items of interest within their departments.
Joe Baron, County Attorney: Criminal Cases in the past month: New Cases: 30 Closed Cases: 24 Current Case Load: 66 In Court: 44 times Juvenile/Diversion Cases: 37 Handled the Special Prosecution case. Civil work. Checked Treasurer Bonds. Reviewed and advised Planning Board and Staff, and County Officers. Met landowners concerning easement issues. Continued work on petitions to vacate portions of County Road No. 38 and 51. Prepared and submitted budget. Reviewed Title 25 Bill for $21,131.90 and referred bill to the state of Wyoming. Prepare Specific Purpose Tax Resolution. Worked on Employee Handbook.
Julie Crawford, Clerk of District Court: Total Receipts: $12,963.14 with $5,477.50 to the County 13 new case filings 35 record searches 14 new passports, assisted multiple other customers with renewal passports 2 civil appeals in process. E-Filing is picking up; still there are a few glitches that we are working through but overall, it is going well. We have been working on checking our court cases, as it has come to our attention that some of the previous confidential filings are not confidential on the public access computer. Our jury panel for the coming year is in place, and we have quite a few jury trials scheduled in the next few months. I attended two Teams meetings with the Supreme Court regarding e-filing, a Teams meeting with Soni regarding computer upgrades needed for District Court and attended a Child Support Authority meeting in Gillette.
Jeff Hodge, County Sheriff: presented the jail stats, full staffed now, got a patrol contract going with the Livestock Board, attended a leadership training, worked on budget.
Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer: Total receipts were $2,366,554.81 and disbursements to the county boards, towns and schools were $1,455,622.67. In April we did a total of 2,082 transactions. We have been busy with the counter and mail for the 2nd half property tax payments. Worked on the county budget and entered March revenue. Worked on my office budget and turned it into the Clerk’s office. Participated in the annual shredding. Advertised in all county papers a reminder about the 2nd half payment of property tax that is due May 10th. I participated in the virtual meeting regarding computer security assessment. I participated in the Employee Compensation Committee and Dept Head meetings.
Melissa Jones, County Clerk: office recorded 485 documents and made 322 titles, working on budget, did a courthouse security walk through with the DOH, attended 2 IT assessment interviews, attending bi-weekly Teams meeting with CISA on election security, attended the Compensation Committee meeting and the Department Head meeting.
County Commissioners: Bob: attended fair board meeting, calls on roads, conversations with Morgan, Larry, Charlie, ComTech, helping move fire trucks around and get fixed. Kelly: Attended Pine Haven and Hulett council meetings to discuss zoning, conversations with Larry and Morgan. Traveled county roads to view condition. Fred: Attended several Teams meetings with BHNF, BLM WCCA, Attended Pine Haven and Moorcroft council meetings to discuss zoning, attended 3 Newcastle RMP meetings, traveled to Saratoga for WCCA Board retreat and NEPA training. Conversations with Morgan and Larry.
Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer submitted the following monthly report of receipts and disbursements for month end April 2024:
Receipts: Property Tax $974,396.82
Sales Tax $171,738.94
Misc Receipts $983,875.36
County Auto $236,543.69
Total $2,366,554.81
Disbursements Towns $695,415.85
County Boards/Districts $123,355.97
State & Local School $417,907.37
DOT/DOR/Rebate $218,943.48
Redemption $ -
Total $1,455,622.67
Investments Wyo-Star $438,750.76 $1,559.48 March Interest
Wyoming Class $3,259,575.46 $14,537.06 March Interest
Dan Thomas, County Assessor, presented a correction to the March tax roll correction, corrections should have been listed as follows: 2023-0165 & 2023-0164. Kelly moved to approve the corrections as presented. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Alex Jessen, Chairman, Tammy Jundt, and Morgan Ellsbury Members, Compensation Committee, gave a monthly report.
Bob moved to approve and for the chairman to sign 2 classification reviews for the County Sheriff. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Morgan Ellsbury, Road and Bridge Superintendent gave a monthly report.
Mark Busenitz was present to present a petition to vacate Jenkins County Road No. 197. After discussion, Kelly moved to accept the petition. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Bob moved to approve Licenses for use of County Road or Property with Gallatin Wireless Internet LLC dba Celerity Internet on Hay Creek Road No. 264. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Adjourned for lunch at 12:20 o’clock p.m.
1:00 o’clock p.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.
Sara Fleenor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Jasmyne Bryant, Events Coordinator, Fair/Facilities, and Bonnie Stahla, Library Director gave monthly reports.
Bob moved to expend funds as follows: Pursuant to Wyoming Statute 16-4-114, notice is given that a Resolution has been proposed to expend 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 4, 2024, at 8:30 o’clock a.m. to consider such proposed resolution.
$100,000.00 to Crook County Library-from Emergency Reserve Funds
Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Charlie Harrison, County Fire Warden, gave a monthly report.
Kelly moved to approve and for the chairman to sign the 2024 Wildland Fire Management Annual Operating Plan. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Tim Lyons, Planning Director, and Caleb Peters, Wastewater Specialist, County Planning, gave a monthly report.
Bob moved to waive the Crook County Contract Engineer review expenses on the replat of Lots 8-10 of Buckmiller No. 1 Subdivision. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Bob moved to approve a Proclamation declaring May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Kelly moved to approve Amendment One to the Memorandum of Understanding Between Wyoming Department of Health, Public Health Division and Crook County for the COVID 19 Vaccination Outreach extending the performance period of the agreement through June 30, 2025. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
After discussion, Bob moved to approve the following resolution:
JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-12
A JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSITIONS TO IMPOSE THE 1% SPECIFIC PURPOSE SALES AND USE TAX IN CROOK COUNTY, STATE OF WYOMING, FOR THE EXCLUSIVE PURPOSE OF FUNDING SPECIFIC PURPOSES FOR SPECIFIC AMOUNTS; THE PROPOSITION TO BE VOTED ON AT THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024.
WHEREAS, pursuant to W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii), 39-15-204(a)(iii), 39-16-203(a)(ii), 39-16-204(a)(ii), and 39-16-202(e) counties may impose an excise tax not to exceed two percent (2%) (hereinafter the “Tax”) upon retail sales of tangible personal property, admissions and services made, and upon storage, use and consumption of tangible personal property, within the county, for specific purposes and in specific amounts as authorized by the qualified electors of the county; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (the “Commissioners”) of Crook County, State of Wyoming, (the “County”), in response to the needs of the County and requests received from the Town of Moorcroft, the Town of Pine Haven, the City of Sundance, and the Town of Hulett (hereinafter, being sometimes individually referred to as “Sponsoring Entity” and collectively referred to as the “Sponsoring Entities”), has determined to make such source of funding available in the following specific amounts for the following specific purposes (the “Projects”):
1. For the following Projects not to exceed $15,000,000.00 and interest earned thereon:
a. $3,000,000.00 to the Town of Hulett for purchase of equipment for the public works department; for improvements to streets, curbs and sidewalks, for replacement, extension, enlargement and improvement of water and sewer systems, and for other infrastructure improvements, including design and engineering for each purpose; and for early retirement of debt incurred for previous street, water and sewer projects.
a. $3,000,000.00 to the Town of Moorcroft for improvements to streets, sewer, water, and other infrastructure, including design and engineering for each purpose, and for maintenance, repairs, and improvements to the Moorcroft Town Center, Moorcroft parks, and for the early retirement of debt incurred for previous street, water and sewer projects.
b. $3,000,000.00 to the Town of Pine Haven for replacement, enlargement and extension to water and sewer systems, improvements to streets and drainage, and other infrastructure projects, including design and engineering for each purpose; and for EMS and Fire Department Equipment.
c. $3,000,000.00 to the City of Sundance for street improvement, sewer, water and lagoon upgrades, including design and engineering, and other infrastructure improvements, and for early retirement of debt incurred for previous street, water and sewer projects.
d. $3,000,000.00 to Crook County to purchase Road and Bridge equipment and construction materials to rebuild county roads; and remodel the courthouse to extend its useful life.
WHEREAS, the County Commissioners have determined that a 1% Specific Purpose Sales and Use Tax should be imposed and extended within the County pursuant to W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii), 39-15-204(a)(iii), 39-16-203(a)(ii), 39-16-204(a)(ii), and 39-16-202(e) in order to fund the above-referenced Projects; and
WHEREAS, the County Commissioners have determined it is necessary to submit the proposition for imposition of the Tax to the qualified electors of the County; and
WHEREAS, this tax will end when the amounts set forth above have been collected; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii)(A) and 39-16-203(a)(ii)(A), before any proposition to impose or extend the Tax shall be placed before the qualified electors of the County, the County Commissioners and the governing bodies of at least fifty percent (50%) of the incorporated municipalities within the County shall adopt a resolution approving the propositions, setting forth a procedure for qualification of a ballot question for placement on the ballot, and specifying how excess funds shall be expended.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODIES OF ALL OF THE MUNICIPALITIES OF CROOK COUNTY AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CROOK COUNTY, STATE OF WYOMING, THAT:
Section 1. At the general election to be held in Crook County, State of Wyoming, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., there will be submitted to the qualified electors of the County a proposition for imposing a 1% Specific Purpose Sales and Use tax for the exclusive purpose of funding the above-referenced Projects, as more particularly set forth in the ballot question at the general election and in the Crook County General Election Proclamation, to be published by the Crook County Clerk in accordance with law.
Section 2. The election on the proposition shall be held at those Election Districts, Precincts and Polling Places as more particularly set forth in the Crook County General Election Proclamation, to be published by the Crook County Clerk in accordance with law.
Section 3. The votes, including absentee votes, shall be registered on official ballots. The ballots shall set forth the following proposition:
SPECIFIC PURPOSE TAX PROPOSITION
There is one (1) proposition proposed for funding through a 1% Specific Purpose Sales and Use Tax.
Shall Crook County be authorized to impose an additional one percent (1%) Specific Purpose Sales and Use Tax, within Crook County, to be used and applied for funding the specified purposes provided below in the specified amounts knowing that the tax will end when the amount is collected and cannot be used for ordinary operation of local government:
PROPOSITION
To collect a total, not to exceed $15,000,000.00 and interest earned thereon for the following projects knowing that this tax will end when this amount is collected:
b. $3,000,000.00 to the Town of Hulett for purchase of equipment for the public works department; for improvements to streets, curbs and sidewalks, for replacement, extension, enlargement and improvement of water and sewer systems, and for other infrastructure improvements, including design and engineering for each purpose; and for early retirement of debt incurred for previous street, water and sewer projects.
c. $3,000,000.00 to the Town of Moorcroft for improvements to streets, sewer, water, and other infrastructure, including design and engineering for each purpose, and for maintenance, repairs, and improvements to the Moorcroft Town Center, Moorcroft parks, and for the early retirement of debt incurred for previous street, water and sewer projects.
d. $3,000,000.00 to the Town of Pine Haven for replacement, enlargement and extension to water and sewer systems, improvements to streets and drainage, and other infrastructure projects, including design and engineering for each purpose; and for EMS and Fire Department Equipment.
e. $3,000,000.00 to the City of Sundance for street improvement, sewer, water and lagoon upgrades, including design and engineering, and other infrastructure improvements, and for early retirement of debt incurred for previous street, water and sewer projects.
f. $3,000,000.00 to Crook County to purchase Road and Bridge equipment and construction materials to rebuild county roads; and remodel the courthouse to extend its useful life.
FOR THE TAX
AGAINST THE TAX
Section 4. The County Clerk shall cause the Crook County General Election Proclamation to be published in accordance with law.
Section 5. The election on the propositions shall be held, conducted and the results canvassed as provided by the Wyoming Election Code of 1973, more particularly, W.S. 22-21-101 to 22-21-112, inclusive.
Section 6. In the event that the proposition shall be approved by the qualified electors of Crook County, the Tax shall commence on the first day of the calendar quarter after sixty (60) days’ notice has been given to the vendors in accordance with W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii)(E), 39-16-203(a)(iii)(E), 39-15-207, 39-16-207 or on the first day of the calendar quarter after one hundred and twenty (120) days’ notice has been given to the vendors selling from a printed catalog in accordance with W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii)(E), 39-16-203(a)(iii)(E), 39-15-207, or 39-16-207, or the next month after the previous tax ends. Upon receipt of proceeds of the Tax from the Wyoming Department of Revenue, the Crook County Treasurer shall distribute said proceeds, monthly, to each entity in the same proportion as its cost is to the total cost of all purposes approved in accordance with W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii) and 39-16-203(a)(ii) on the November 5, 2024 general election ballot. Upon distribution of the total approved amount in Tax funds to the Entities (or such lesser amount if the Entities have agreed to terminate the Tax pursuant to W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii)(G) and 39-16-203(a)(ii)(G)), excess Tax funds shall be retained by the Crook County Treasurer for one (1) year for refund of overpayments. After one (1) year, the excess Tax funds (less any refunds), plus any interest earned thereon, shall be transferred to the sponsoring entities in the same proportion to the total purposes approved in accordance with W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii) and 39-16-203(a)(ii) on the November 5, 2024 general election ballot. The excess Tax funds, and interest thereon, shall be used for the Projects set forth in the proposition for each Entity.
Section 7. Before the propositions may be placed before the qualified electors of Crook County, the County Commissioners and the governing bodies of at least fifty percent (50%) of the four (4) incorporated municipalities within Crook County, WY (Hulett, Moorcroft, Pine Haven and Sundance) must adopt this joint resolution as required by W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii)(A) and 39-16-203(a)(ii)(A).
Section 8. The passage of this joint resolution shall constitute written notification to the County Clerk, in accordance with W.S. 22-21-103, specifying the date of the election and the propositions, and shall further constitute approval as required by W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii)(A) and 39-16-203(a)(ii)(A).
Section 9. Should any part or provision of this joint resolution ever be judicially determined to be invalid or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remaining parts and provisions hereof, the intention being that each part or provision of this joint resolution is severable.
Section 10. This specific purpose excise tax will end in accordance with W.S. 39-15-203(a)(iii) and W.S. 39-16-203(a)(ii), when the amounts set forth above have been collected according to law.
Dated this 7th day of May 2024
Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member.
State of Wyoming }
County of Crook }
Signed or attested before me on May 7, 2024, by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman, and Bob Latham, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.
Melissa Jones, Crook County Clerk
Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 3:33 o’clock p.m.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
8:30 o’clock a.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the Flag.
Steve Dietrich, Resident Engineer, Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), gave an update on bridge and road projects.
Larry Schommer, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, gave a monthly report.
Sam Burke & Jasmyne Bryant were present to give an update on the Funding Summit they attended. Sam also discussed and presented a job description for a grants position.
Soni Lampert, KLH, was present via Teams, for the monthly IT update. Also present were Tammy Jundt, Jeff Hodge, Joe Baron and via Teams Alex Jessen and Julie Crawford.
After discussion, Bob moved to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-13
(Setting Salary of one (1) County Commissioner for the next term of Office)
WHEREAS pursuant to W.S. 18-3-107 (d) the board of county commissioners shall meet not later than June 1, 1978, and on or before the same date each four (4) years thereafter for the purpose of setting their salaries for the following four (4) years, commencing January 1. The salary amount, when determined, cannot be increased during the period for which established. In addition thereof, each commissioner shall be paid his actual expenses while away from his home on official county business and not exceeding the same mileage allowance as received by state employees for each mile actually and necessarily traveled other than in a county owned vehicle in going to and returning from the meetings of the board and in the discharge of the duties of his office. Only one (1) mileage allowance shall be allowed per vehicle per trip. No commissioner’s salary or expense for any purpose shall be charged to any account other than the county commissioner’s account in the county budget. No commissioner shall be allowed any other salary from the county other than that herein stipulated; and
WHEREAS, the board of county commissioners is required to set the annual salary of a single county commissioner for the next four year term of office on or before June 1, 2024, in accordance with Resolution 2022-13 and W.S. 18-3-107; and
WHEREAS, W.S.18-3-107(a) (i) (C), allows the board of county commissioners to set the annual salary at not less than $10,000.00 nor more than $100,000 per year; and
WHEREAS the salaries should be divisible by twelve (12) to comply with W. S.18-3-108, for the annual salary to be paid in equal monthly payments; and
WHEREAS the benefits received by the county commissioners have been and should be the same as the benefits received by all other part-time elected county officials; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming that the following elected public official of Crook County shall receive the following annual salary for the term of office beginning January 6, 2025 and ending on January 1, 2029:
Year Position Salary
2025 (1) Part-time Commissioner $ 31,000.00
2026 (1) Part-time Commissioner $ 33,000.00
2027 (1) Part-time Commissioner $ 35,000.00
2028 (1) Part-time Commissioner $ 37,000.00
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the county commissioner shall be a part-time office; and that the salary be paid in twelve (12) equal monthly payments and that the county commissioner shall receive the same benefits as all other part-time elected county officials and that on or before June 1, 2026 the board of county commissioners shall meet to set the salaries, for a four year term, of the Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor, Clerk of Court, Sheriff, County and Prosecuting Attorney, (2) Part-time County Commissioners and Part-time County Coroner, whose terms commence on the first Monday in January 2027.
Motion made, seconded and carried in an open meeting on May 7, 2024.
Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member.
State of Wyoming }
County of Crook }
Signed or attested before me on May 7, 2024, by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.
Melissa Jones, Crook County Clerk
Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Present for the hearing on requests for bike rally special permits was Joe Baron.
Bob moved to approve the following malt beverage permits for rally week:
24 Hour Malt Beverage Permit:
Tom Ferguson- August 4-8, 2024
Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
The Board reviewed the applications received for the Crook County Commissioners Scholarships.
Bob moved to award the Crook County Commissioner Renewal Scholarship to the following applicants:
Renewal Recipient: Lane Jay Renewal Alternate 1: HayLeigh Fenner
Renewal Alternate 2: Jameson Fleenor
Kelly seconded, all ayes. Motion carried.
Bob moved to award the Crook County Commissioner Scholarship to the following applicants:
Recipient 1: Ahnya Ivie-Moody
Kelly seconded, all ayes. Motion carried.
Bob recused himself from the vote due to personal conflict.
Kelly moved to award the Crook County Commissioner Scholarship to the following applicants:
Recipient 2: Johnavon Jones Alternate 1: Nathaniel Schommer
Recipient 3: Spencer Lubken Alternate 2: Natalie Curren
Alternate 3: Brook Hofland
Fred vacated the chair and seconded, Kelly voted aye, Fred vacated the chair and voted aye. Motion carried.
After discussion, Bob moved to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-14
2024 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 7, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners made a motion to accept the 2024 Districts and Precincts for the 2024 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 Beulah Community Building, 5850 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 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 23, 2024 through August 19, 2024. 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 7, 2024.
Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member.
State of Wyoming }
County of Crook }
Signed or attested before me on May 7, 2024 by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.
Melissa Jones, Crook County Clerk
Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Adjourned for lunch at 11:57 o’clock a.m.
1:00 o’clock p.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.
Bridget Helms, Office Manager, CCNRD, gave updates on items of interest within their department.
After discussion about the State setting weight and width restrictions on State HWY 116, it was determined the County should align with those restrictions.
Bob moved to set weight limits on Banks Co. Rd. No. 49 to 117,000 pounds. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Kelly 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 4, 2024, at 8:30 o’clock a.m. to consider such proposed resolution.
$44,045.27 to Public Health, Health Fund-from Uncommitted Public Health Funds
$67,565.28 to Deployed Firemen Expenses-from Unanticipated Revenues
Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Patrick Champa, District Ranger, Chris Zoeller, Fire Management Officer N Zone, and Josh Hoffman, Fuels Assistant Fire Management Officer, Bearlodge Ranger District, were present to update the Commissioners on the North Sand project and prescribed burning projects.
Mike Mores, Senior Manager, Government Affairs Wyoming, Charter, was present to discuss a Franchise Agreement.
Kyle Borger & Jessica Howard, WyoHelp, were present to discuss a Community Services Block Grant Contract.
Bob moved to accept the Joint Resolution 2024-12 as amended by any of the joint signors. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
The Board of Crook County Commissioners is requesting bids for property insurance for a one-year term, starting July 1, 2024. All bids must be submitted to the Crook County Clerk, P.O. Box 37, Sundance, WY 82729, by or before May 31, 2024, at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
On June 4, 2024, at 1:00 o’clock p.m. the Board will make the following Board appointments:
Two Crook County Library Board Members – Three Year Terms
One 6th Judicial District Child Support Board Members-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 May 31, 2024, at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
On June 4, 2024, at 1:30 o’clock p.m. the Board will make the following Board appointments:
Two Crook County Land Use Planning and Zoning Commission Board Member – 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 May 31, 2024, 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.
Board Openings: To remain open until filled.
One Promotion Board Member-Three Year Term
One Predatory Management District Board Member-Representing No-Ag-Three Year Term
One NEWEDC Board Member-Representing the County-Three Year Term
One NEWEDC Board Member-Representing the Municipalities-Three Year Term
One NEWEDC Board Member-Representing the Private Sector-Three Year Term
The meeting adjourned at 3:21 o’clock p.m. to meet in budget work session on May 15 & 21, 2024 at 9:00 o’clock a.m. in the Commissioner Room at the Courthouse in Sundance, Wyoming.
Fred M. Devish, Chairman
Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman
Bob Latham, Member
Attested: Melissa Jones, County Clerk
Publish: May 16, 2024