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November 26, 2025 |

Photo – Wyoming Seal – State of Wyoming

The other shoe dropped. Wyoming lawmakers have advanced a bill at the legislature that would raise the state sales tax if residential property taxes are repealed completely.

In 2026, Wyoming voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to assess all residential property at zero percent of its value, effectively eliminating taxation on homes statewide. Should the measure succeed, state lawmakers are set to institute a two percent sales tax increase to address the revenue shortfall.

On November 19th, the Joint Revenue Committee met in Cheyenne to consider how to back fill the state’s funding loss if the constitutional amendment passes. In response, Committee Chairman Troy McKeown introduced draft bill 282, a measure aimed at replacing residential property tax collections with a two percent increase to the state’s sales and use taxes.

Wyoming Legislative Service Office Senior Staff Attorney Josh Anderson explained that the bill begins by exempting the first $200,000 of a home’s assessed value from property taxes.

Then, in the following year, the cap rises to $2 million, with incremental increases in subsequent years.

To offset the lost residential tax revenue for the state, Anderson said draft bill 282 would raise the statewide sales tax from four to six percent. The proceeds would go into a new account and be redistributed to counties using the same formula as property taxes. McKeown said that if the bill passes, it is unlikely to reduce the state’s overall tax revenue. Chairman McKeown said the legislation will change how revenue is collected.

Wyoming Department of Revenue Director Bret Fanning was asked how much additional revenue the higher state sales tax would generate. Fanning replied that the Legislative Service Office forecasts the increase is expected to bring in more than $470 million.

Fanning added that a recent one‑percent sales tax hike in Casper raised $1 million during the first month.

Natrona County Representative J.R. Riggins noted that the proposed bill could let out‑of‑state buyers use Wyoming properties as tax shelters, holding the tax-free land until values increased before selling.

After the Committee discussed the bill, Chairman McKeown opened the floor to public comments. A Cheyenne resident, Ted Hamlin, asked why the Committee was choosing a sales tax increase to make up the lost property tax revenue. Chairman McKeown responded that residential property taxes may be unconstitutional under both the United States and Wyoming constitutions. To address this concern, the Joint Revenue Committee is seeking an equitable way to raise revenue from citizens.

Another Cheyenne resident Josephine Carlson spoke against the proposed legislation, saying that counties and municipalities rely on property taxes to fund essential services such as police and fire protection.

Carlson argued that sales taxes are less stable and equitable than property taxes.

Representatives J.R. Riggins and Kevin Campbell explained that mass migration into Wyoming during the COVID pandemic has upset the traditionally stable housing market in the state. Representative Campbell said Wyoming lawmakers must rethink the way it generates money.

Natrona County Senator Bob Ide said figures from the Legislative Service Office and Department of Revenue show the average property tax bill in Wyoming is $1,750. If those taxes are repealed, Senator Ide said the average household would need to spend roughly $87,000 a year to match that amount.

The director of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, Jerimiah Rieman, said he is concerned about how a statewide sales tax increase could affect the optional fifth and sixth penny taxes that counties and municipalities use to fund local governments and infrastructure projects. Rieman noted that until 2024, when Teton County residents approved a seventh penny tax, Wyoming voters had never supported a seven percent sales tax. He cautioned that raising the rate might prompt voters to repeal the fifth and sixth pennies, leaving counties to ask the state to cover those projects.

Rieman also said the state will have to fund special districts that typically rely on property taxes, such as fire protection districts.

Wyoming Farm Bureau Policy Advocacy Director Brett Moline cautioned lawmakers that raising the state sales tax could drive residents to shop outside the state and prove to be counterproductive.  Many residents already flee Wyoming for shopping trips in neighboring states.

62 Representative Kevin Campbell, a Republican who represents Natrona and Converse County, said that every surrounding state, except Montana, already has sales taxes equal to or higher than the proposed rate.

Additional public comments mostly opposed to the measure.

Joint Revenue Committee Chairman Troy McKeown called for a vote on draft bill 282, with an amendment specifying that it would take effect only if the constitutional amendment to eliminate residential property taxes passed. The Committee voted eight to four to advance the bill for consideration in next year’s legislative session.

Its language could go through changes before being introduced. If the bill passes as written, the sales tax increase is set to go into effect on April 1st, 2027.

The post Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Bill first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 26, 2025 |

Photo – Library Event Flyer

Even as it faces dire challenges, the Carbon County Library System is celebrating its 100th anniversary with events across the county.

In April of 1922, a group of Rawlins women opened a reading room in the Osborn Building, located at 221 East Cedar Street. Library Board member Lindy Glode said that as the collection grew, the women laid the foundation for Carbon County’s first public library.

On December 1st, 1925, the Board of Carbon County Commissioners formally established the Carbon County Public Library. To mark the 100th anniversary, Glode said the current Board of Commissioners will issue a proclamation of support for the entire library system.

Throughout the first two weeks of December, the seven branches will host their own centennial celebrations. Glode said each event will feature cake, a commemorative plaque, and the creation of a time capsule.

Glode said the individual communities and branch librarians will determine the contents and location of their respective time capsules.

The Encampment Library will be first, holding its event the day following the Carbon County Commissioners meeting. Glode said the Medicine Bow, Elk Mountain, and Little Snake River Valley branches will follow.

The Saratoga Library will hold its 100th anniversary celebration on December 11th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Glode said the event will feature cake, a commemorative plaque, and a time capsule, followed by a C.J. Box book signing from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The final event takes place at the Hanna Library on December 12th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Glode said the Rawlins Library will mark 100 years on December 5th with a book signing and a 1920s‑inspired costume contest.

Interim Library Director Jenita Calton will attend each ceremony to read a brief history of the Carbon County Library System.

Additionally, the Library Board will auction off a selection of donated items to support every branch, including games, gift baskets, and a grill. Glode thanked the dozens of individuals and businesses who helped make the 100th anniversary celebrations possible amid the ongoing library budget crisis.

The Carbon County Library System saw a 53% reduction in funding this fiscal year, leading to decreased hours and possible closures. The Hanna and Medicine Bow branches are most at risk of shutting down due to a lack of funding. Rather than dwelling on potential closures, Glode said the Library Board is highlighting the positive impact each branch has on its respective community.

For more information about the 100th anniversary celebration, visit the Carbon County Library System Facebook page. All seven centennial events are free to attend.

The post Carbon County Libraries Celebrate 100th Anniversary first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 25, 2025 |

Photo – Saratoga Town Sign – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

A new poll shows that most Saratoga residents support allowing quads and side‑by‑sides on the streets of the Platte Valley town.

In response to complaints about off‑road vehicle use, Saratoga Police Chief John Moore suggested designating certain streets as ORV routes, allowing the vehicles to legally travel through town. Alternatively, Chief Moore said an ordinance could be adopted to require off‑road vehicles to simply display a valid sticker issued by the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails to operate on Saratoga’s streets. The police chief added that current ordinances forbid all side‑by‑sides and quads in town.

Before reaching a decision, the governing body directed Chief Moore to create a survey asking residents for input on in‑town off-road vehicle use.

The police chief presented the findings of his nine-question survey at the November 19th Saratoga Town Council meeting. Chief Moore said the first question asked if residents believed off‑road vehicle use in town has a positive or negative impact on the community. Of the 422 responses, 260 people reported that ORV use has a positive or very positive impact.

The second question asked people how often they use off-road vehicles within town limits. Chief Moore said the results showed that usage varied widely among respondents, with 77 reporting daily use, 93 weekly, 49 monthly, 78 rarely, and 123 never.

The third question asked residents what kinds of off‑road vehicles they drive: ATVs, dirt bikes, UTVs, or four‑wheel‑drive trucks. Of 367 respondents, 191 said they drive four‑wheel‑drive trucks in town. Chief Moore explained that the inclusion of that vehicle type was a mistake caused by his use of AI to help generate the questions.

Chief Moore said based on the response to question #4, 86% — 285 of 329 – recommended operators carry some form of ORV insurance.

The next question asked if off-road vehicles should be permitted to operate in Saratoga without a multipurpose vehicle, or MPV, license plate issued by the Carbon County Treasurer’s Office. Chief Moore said approximately half of the 414 respondents replied that MPV registration should be required.

Chief Moore said the results of that question appear to contradict the next, which asked if ORVs should be registered with the town, the State Trails Program, or both before being operated in town. The police chief said a majority of respondents, 185 in this case, favored only requiring an ORV sticker through the State Trails Program.

The seventh and eighth questions asked if some or all Saratoga streets should be designated as ORV routes. Chief Moore said while only 151 of 414 respondents supported classifying certain streets for ORV use, 304 of 417 favored allowing off‑road vehicles on all town streets.

Finally, residents were asked if unregistered off‑road vehicles should be banned from Saratoga streets between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., the town’s designated quiet hours. Chief Moore said more than half of respondents supported the quiet‑hour restriction.

Mayor Chuck Davis instructed Chief Moore to use the results of the survey to draft an ordinance governing off-road vehicle use in town. Chief Moore said he’s already decided how to proceed. All ORVs would need to comply with existing multipurpose vehicle regulations.

Chief Moore said he will prepare a draft ORV ordinance to be presented at the December 3rd Saratoga Town Council meeting. Afterwards, if the governing body approves the changes, the draft ordinance will be sent to Town Attorney Kylie Waldrip for review. As with all ordinance changes, the measure would need to be read and approved at three separate public meetings.

The post Results from ORV Poll Discussed at Saratoga Town Council Meeting first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 25, 2025 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

The Wyoming Livestock Board is urging residents to quarantine their horses amid a deadly virus outbreak.

Earlier this month, the Wyoming Livestock Board confirmed that a horse from Colorado tested positive for EHV-1, or equine herpesvirus type one. According to a written statement from the Livestock Board, between November 15th and 20th, the sick animal traveled to events in Cheyenne, Wheatland, Casper, and finally Waco, Texas.

Speaking to Bigfoot99, Wyoming State Veterinarian Dr. Hallie Hasel explained that the source of the EHV‑1 virus can be difficult to determine. However, Dr. Hasel said that the outbreak most likely began at the Texas event or a separate Oklahoma barrel race.

Dr. Hasel said while EHV‑1 was confirmed during both events, most of the cases originated from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals in Texas.

The State Veterinarian explained that the equine herpesvirus has two serious variants, type one and type four. Dr. Hasel said EHV‑4 is primarily a respiratory disease, while EHV‑1 is a more serious, potentially deadly condition that can infect animals without obvious symptoms.

Equine herpesviruses may sometimes hide inside nerve cells, remaining latent for the entire lifespan of the horse. Stress, illness, or transport can reactivate the virus.

Dr. Hasel said EHV‑1 is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact between animals, shared food and water, and contaminated clothing or equipment.

The incubation period for equine herpesvirus type one is typically between two to 10 days after exposure. Dr. Hasel explained that infected animals may exhibit a fever, runny nose, difficulty walking, and general lethargy.

If you suspect your horse has been exposed to EHV‑1, Dr. Hasel advised taking its temperature twice daily for two weeks. If the reading is above normal, quarantine the animal and contact a veterinarian immediately.

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, 10 to 20 percent of infected horses may develop the neurological form of EHV‑1, which can be fatal. There is no cure. Treatment involves isolation, anti‑inflammatories, and fluids. Vaccines may help limit the spread of equine herpesvirus, but they do not prevent horses from contracting the neurological form.

In Wyoming, veterinarians are required to report any neurological diseases to the state Livestock Board. Horses that test positive for EHV-1 must be quarantined for at least 21 days.

To help slow the spread of the disease, Dr. Hasel urged all horse owners, even those whose animals show no signs of illness, not to attend any equine events unless absolutely necessary, especially if it has a fever.

At the time of this report, the Wyoming Livestock Board has not confirmed any cases of EHV‑1 in the state.

If your horse recently traveled to Texas or Oklahoma, contact the Wyoming Livestock Board immediately at 777‑7515 for guidance on isolation and monitoring.

The post Wyoming Livestock Board Urges Quarantine for Horses first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 25, 2025 |

Photo – Bigfoot99 File Photo

In response to data provided by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office utilizing the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services SAVE System, three registered voters in Carbon, Lincoln, and Teton Counties have now been removed from Wyoming’s Statewide Voter Registration System as identified non-citizens.

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray previously sent notice to county clerks in the three identified counties notifying them of active voter records matching the individuals identified non-U.S. citizens.

Secretary of State Grey said safeguarding Wyoming elections against illegal voting has been a top priority of his administration.

The Secretary turned over the names and other information regarding three individuals identified in the data sweep to law enforcement for further legal action.

The post Non-Citizens Removed from Wyoming Voter Registration System first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 25, 2025 |

Photo Courtesy of Platte Valley Kiwanis Facebook

The Platte Valley Kiwanis Club in Saratoga will set up a free ice-skating rink on Veteran’s Island again this winter.

Founded in 1915, the Kiwanis Club is a global volunteer service organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening communities. At the November 19th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Platte Valley Kiwanis Club member David Gloss explained that the local chapter, which has been serving the community for 37 years, recognized a need for youth winter recreation in Saratoga. In response, Gloss said the Kiwanis Club built an ice‑skating rink.

For the past six years, the Platte Valley Kiwanis Club has offered a free ice‑skating rink, first on East Bridge Avenue and later at the Veteran’s Island skate park. Gloss said this year will follow the same plan as in the past, with the community skating spot being open for approximately four months, depending on the weather.

Gloss said the ice-skating rink appears to be enjoyed and well-liked in Saratoga, with children frequently using the facility.

Mayor Chuck Davis asked when the ice rink is open. Gloss replied that the facility is available around the clock, with free skates provided at all times.

Following the question from Mayor Davis, the Saratoga Town Council voted to allow the Platte Valley Kiwanis Club to set up its free ice‑skating rink on Veteran’s Island in December, with the facility to be removed when the weather becomes too warm.

Gloss thanked the town for their support and encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the ice‑skating rink.

The post Platte Valley Kiwanis Announces Free Ice-Skating first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 24, 2025 |

Photo – Hanna Library – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

The Carbon County Public Library Board Chairwoman testified before the state Joint Revenue Committee on how recent property tax relief bills have affected her organization.

The Wyoming Joint Revenue Committee met last week to discuss seven bills aimed at helping residents affected by property tax hikes tied to COVID‑era migration. The first measure under consideration was the long‑term homeowner tax exemption. Lawmakers moved to eliminate the 2027 sunset clause on the 50% tax break for longtime residents, making the exemption permanent.

Wyoming Department of Revenue Property Tax Division administrator Ken Gill testified that the long-term homeowner exemption reduced state-wide property tax revenue by approximately $48 million dollars. Wyoming County Commissioners Association Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman responded that taxes dropped more than four times beyond what lawmakers first predicted.

Rieman added that the measure should include an income requirement, limiting the exemptions to senior citizens who are genuinely in need of financial assistance. The debate soon moved off the bill itself and onto property tax cuts in general. House District 62 Representative Kevin Campbell said the legislature is working to help residents affected by recent property tax increases, adding that counties should rely less on state funding and more on their own savings.

Property Tax Division administrator Ken Gill responded that every county in the state is unique, with some being hit harder than others. Additional stakeholders testified both for and against continued property tax relief, including Carbon County Public Library Board Chairwoman Addie Myers.

This fiscal year, the Carbon County Library System saw a 53% cut in county funding, dropping from $350,964 in 2024 to $164,452. Speaking at the November 19th Joint Revenue Committee meeting, Myers said the reduction, driven by property tax relief, was worse than expected.

Myers explained that by drawing on savings and relying on donations, the Library System has so far avoided closing any of Carbon County’s seven branches. The Library Board Chairwoman warned that without restored property tax revenue, closures are unavoidable. Donors cannot be expected to fund the libraries, as that responsibility should rest with the government.

Myers said the Hanna, Medicine Bow, and Encampment libraries are the most at risk of closing by the end year. If the Library Board cannot sustain those branches, the communities they serve will suffer.

Myers read a statement from Carbon County Fire Protection District Warden John Rutherford, who wrote that the District is funded entirely by property taxes. Rutherford stated that by reducing taxes, the legislature is limiting the District’s ability to respond to emergencies in the county and along Interstate 80.

Myers read a statement from a local leader who asked to remain anonymous. The individual wrote that Carbon County voters approved funding for special districts, including the Fire Protection District, through property taxes. By removing the county’s ability to collect those taxes, the state has stripped control from local government, a move the writer described as akin to socialism.

Myers suggested that state lawmakers let the housing market balance itself instead of attempting to solve the issue with short-sighted regulation.

Representative Kevin Campbell said Carbon County appears to have carried over more than $1 million in revenue into the current fiscal year. With that in mind, Representative Campbell asked why the Library System is so underfunded.

Library Board Chairwoman Myers referred the question to Commissioner Sue Jones, who was present at the meeting.

Instead, Representative Campbell countered that the information he’s been given doesn’t match the dire financial picture Myers described.

Commissioner Jones reacted to this story on Monday, saying, “Rep. Campbell still doesn’t get the fact that the State does not receive residential property taxes. Those are strictly for local government. By eliminating those, he brings the local government to the State for backfill. Cut residential taxes for votes is the current trend.”

Natrona County Representative Jayme Lien also questioned why Carbon County was choosing not to fund its libraries, especially considering recent news of large-scale wind energy projects coming to the area. Representative Lien asked Myers how the library system is funded.

Myers said to her understanding, only residential property taxes are used to fund the Library System, adding that Carbon County lost approximately $900,000 in revenue from the tax relief bills.

The Library Board Chairwoman said the Board of Commissioners has been working to save local branches, with Commissioner Sue Jones securing a grant to fund the Hanna and Medicine Bow libraries.

The funding is not enough to keep them open beyond the end of the year.

Laramie County Representative Clarence Styvar asked if the Carbon County Library Foundation could help cover the lost revenue. Myers said the Library Foundation has given more than in previous years, but its bylaws forbid spending on operations to prevent the county from pulling all financial support.

Myers said the Library Board has applied for and received a $10,000 Wyoming Intertie Community Investment Program grant to cover operational costs at the Hanna and Medicine Bow branches. However, the grant is set to end after one more cycle with no plans for renewal.

Representative Styvar asked if Carbon County was assessing the maximum 12 mill levy.

Wyoming County Commissioners Association Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman stepped in to answer, saying that 21 of the state’s 23 counties, including Carbon, already receive the maximum, with only Teton County able to raise its levy with any effect.

Joint Revenue Committee Chairman Troy McKeown remarked that the discussion had strayed from the long‑term homeowner property tax exemption, and the Committee moved on to the next matter.

The post Funding Issues a Concern for Libraries first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 21, 2025

Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

Carbon County Commissioners and officials from the City of Rawlins plan to meet on a regular basis to work through shared problems together.

Interim Rawlins City Manager Matt Hall introduced himself to the commissioners at their meeting this week. Hall served two terms as Cody’s mayor from 2017 to 2024 and is still settling into his new role here.

Hall explained that during his time as Mayor of Cody, he made a point of forming a partnership with the Park County Board of Commissioners, and he’d like to do the same in Carbon County. The interim Rawlins City Manager said he was inspired by his father, who served as a Park County Commissioner for twelve years.

Commissioner John Espy said in the past, the Board of Commissioners regularly met with Rawlins officials. He asked if Hall was open to reviving that tradition.

Hall expressed strong support for the idea. The interim Rawlins City Manager said that when he was Mayor of Cody, municipal leaders often met with county officials.

Hall said they represent the same constituents, who often face the same issues. The Board encouraged him to contact the County Clerk’s Office to arrange an official meeting between county and Rawlins officials.

The post Rawlins Officials to Meet with County Commissioners Regularly first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 21, 2025 |

Photo – Carbon County Logo – Courtesy of Carbon County Wyoming

The Carbon County Commissioners responded to an administrative oversight on their part and officially committed $250,000 for elevator repairs at Memorial Hospital in Rawlins.

Wyoming state statute 18.8.102 requires the board to levy a tax on all taxable property to maintain a hospital and its facilities. In Carbon County, the Board of Commissioners allocates $150,000 each year for upkeep of the 53‑year‑old Memorial Hospital building in Rawlins.

Last year, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County pushed for a taxpayer‑funded hospital district. The plan called for a three‑mill property tax levy on homeowners, expected to raise $1.5 million a year. If the measure had been approved, the money would have gone toward new medical equipment and building maintenance.

Speaking at the September 12th, 2024, hospital district meeting in Hanna, Memorial Hospital Director of Clinics Abbie Webster said maintaining the aging facility costs approximately $1 million a year.

The hospital district measure failed by only 89 votes in the general election.

Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Kerry Ashment elaborated on the facility’s maintenance costs at the June 3rd County Commissioners meeting. Ashment said that the hospital spends more than $1.1 million a year on property maintenance. To help cover those costs, Ashment asked the County Commissioners to increase their yearly contribution by 233%, from $150,000 to $500,000.

During the September 2nd meeting of the Board of Commissioners, Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett announced that, rather than allocating $500,000 to Memorial Hospital for building maintenance, the county agreed to contribute $250,000 toward a $500,000 Mineral Royalty Grant through the Office of State Lands and Investments. If approved, the grant would fund elevator upgrades at the hospital.

Mineral Royalty Grants are funded by revenue generated from mineral production on state lands. The money is set aside to help local governments and special districts pay for essential public infrastructure projects, such as water and sewer systems, public safety, and healthcare infrastructure.

The Board of Commissioners voted to allow Vice Chairwoman Bartlett to submit the $500,000 grant on behalf of Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, with a $250,000 match from the county.

The grant match was discussed again during the November 18th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting. Bartlett said that while completing the grant application, she failed to notice the Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board’s requirement for a resolution confirming the county’s grant match.

The Board of Commissioners voted to authorize an official letter to the Office of State Lands and Investments, committing up to $250,000 toward the Mineral Royalty Grant.

The grant application for Memorial Hospital now goes to state government where it likely will be reviewed by State Loan and Investment Board during its regular meeting December 4th.

The post Carbon County Commissioners Address Oversight first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

November 21, 2025 |

Photo – Town of Saratoga Logo – Courtesy of the Town of Saratoga

The Town of Saratoga is moving closer to establishing a joint Boys and Girls Club and municipal recreation center.

During Wednesday’s Saratoga Town Council meeting, the governing body agreed to sign Resolution 2025‑07, a declaration of support for the proposed recreation center and Boys and Girls Club of the Platte Valley. The measure lets the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming look at town land on West Elm Avenue for a possible recreation center. The Council also agreed to start talks with the group to build the facility.

The idea for a new recreation center can be traced back to 2022, when Saratoga attorney Nick Haderlie suggested constructing an indoor aquatic center. When the plan proved unfeasible due to high operating costs, Haderlie set the project aside.

A local resident with ties to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming then connected the organization with Haderlie to pursue a recreation center instead.

The proposed $15.5 million facility would serve as a joint Boys and Girls Club and Saratoga recreation center, moving the town’s athletics programs from the Platte Valley Community Center to the newly constructed gymnasium. The project is expected to be funded primarily through donations and grants. Haderlie reported that Silver Spur Ranch owner John Malone has already pledged $6 million.

During the November 19th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Haderlie and Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming CEO Ashley Bright outlined their plans for the recreation facility. Haderlie said in-person interviews appear to show that residents support establishing a Boys and Girls Club in town.

However, such a large-scale project will present some challenges. Haderlie said that during resident interviews, respondents raised concerns about staffing, ongoing philanthropic support, and participation.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming estimates that 250 young people will utilize the facility. Later in the meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis questioned how the organization obtained those numbers. CEO Ashley Bright explained that the Club in Dubois, which serves a population similar to Saratoga, sees between 75 and 100 participants. Bright added that he expects children from outside Saratoga to also attend the Platte Valley Club.

Haderlie said that the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming Board of Directors already approved the project and asked the town to adopt a resolution granting representatives access to the site for initial studies. He added that by signing the resolution, the town would be formally committing its support. Haderlie said only with official backing can the Club finalize the details needed to build and operate the Saratoga facility.

Councilman Jerry Fluty asked who would run the facility.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming CEO Bright said his organization would oversee a local board of directors.

Haderlie said the plan is for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming to enter into a lease with the town to build and operate the gymnasium.

Haderlie said that the ideal solution would be for the town to lease a portion of the building from the Club to use as a recreation center.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously voted to sign Resolution 2025‑07 in support of the proposed recreation center and Boys and Girls Club of the Platte Valley. A formal lease agreement for the Elm Avenue property will be presented during a future Council meeting.

The post Town of Saratoga Moves Forward with Joint Boys & Girls Club/Municipal Rec Center first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.