Bigfoot99 News - Bigfoot 99 Radio

MAY 29, 2025 |

Photo – Scholarship flyer – Courtesy Carbon County Commissioners

Abrianna Laird, Olivianna McMahon, and Brayden Torstenbo were chosen to receive the 2025 Carbon County Commissioners’ Scholarship, with Allison Bromley selected to have her scholarship renewed for another year.

Every year, the Board of Carbon County Commissioners selects three new students and one returning student to receive a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Wyoming or any Wyoming community college.

Speaking to Bigfoot99 last month, County Clerk Lisa Smith explained the scholarships are available to graduating high school and non-traditional students, such as home schooled and adults returning to school that live in Carbon County.

The winners of the 2025 Commissioner’s Scholarship were announced at the May 20th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting. The Board is required by statute to judge the applicants entirely by their grade point averages, SAT scores, and extracurricular activities. The names of the students are purposely withheld during the selection process.

Seventeen students applied for the 2025 scholarship. The Board said the judging was very close this year.

Commissioner Sue Jones began by announcing that Allison Bromley, from Encampment, was selected to have her scholarship renewed. Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett pointed out that the other two winners, Mackenzie Priest and Fischer Williams, were alternates, as the county only offers a single renewal scholarship.

After the Board consulted among themselves, Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett announced the winners of the 2025 Commissioner’s Scholarship. Abrianna Laird, Olivianna McMahon, and Brayden Torstenbo were each selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship for their continued education. Jaida Jennings, Justine Widdison, and Emmanuel Vialpando were chosen as alternates.

The Board mentioned the challenge of selecting four winners and five alternates from a pool of 17 highly talented applicants. Commission Chairman Travis Moore said the difficulty of choosing the scholarship recipients speaks to the quality of Carbon County students.

Responding to a question from an attendee, Commissioner Sue Jones explained the scholarship money is being offered by the University of Wyoming, not the county itself. Commissioner Jones added the University provides every county in the state with a different number of scholarships.

A member of the University’s Scholarships & Financial Aid team told Bigfoot99 the commissioners of each county decide how many scholarships they would like to offer.

Each of the winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship to continue their education at the University of Wyoming or any community college in the state.

The post Commissioners Choose Scholarship Awardees first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 28, 2025|

Photo – Computer server example – Bigfoot99 file photo

The City of Rawlins is expecting to spend upwards of $300,000 to replace out-of-date computer systems.

During the May 20th Rawlins City Council meeting, City Manager Tom Sarvey announced that he recently spoke with the city’s information technology provider, Casper-based 307 Tech Pros. Sarvey said the IT company, formerly called Computer Professionals Unlimited, or CPU for short, recommends replacing three computer servers and the switches that connect the city’s network, at an estimated cost of $150,000.

City Manager Sarvey added 307 Tech Pros recommends replacing seven smaller servers located throughout the city, each costing $15,000. In total, replacing all the servers and switches is expected to cost nearly $250,000.

On top of the server replacement costs, the city is being advised to upgrade every computer to the latest Microsoft operating system, Windows 11. City Manager Sarvey said at least 50% of the computers used in city offices are unable to support the software upgrades.

Windows 11 offers the latest security features, including enhanced ransomware protection and built-in threat detection to defend against cyber threats. Upgrading to the latest operating system could help prevent another data breach, such as the one that occurred in November of 2023, when an unknown hacker accessed the city’s servers. Fortunately, there was no indication that a virus was installed or that residents’ personal information was stolen during the incursion.

Back at the May 20th City Council meeting, Sarvey explained replacing all the out-of-date computers will cost between $60,000 and $70,000.

Sarvey said the Rawlins Police Department alone has 17 computers too outdated to upgrade to Windows 11.

The City Manager said he’ll add $310,000 to the city’s upcoming fiscal year budget to fund the technology upgrades.

The post City of Rawlins Needs to Replace Out-of-Date Computer System first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 28, 2025|

Photo – 2024 Dodge Ram 1500 – Courtesy ESU Pursuits website

The Saratoga Police Department will purchase a new patrol truck.

During the May 20th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Police Chief John Moore asked for authorization to purchase a 2024 Dodge Ram 1500 patrol vehicle from ESU Pursuits in Edwardsville, Kansas. Chief Moore explained that ESU Pursuits will ensure the truck is fully prepared for deployment, eliminating months of preparation time.

The 2024 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4, equipped with lights and sirens, is priced at $55,900. With the addition of Saratoga Police Department logos, an in-bed storage system, and traffic radar, the total cost is $62,309.

Chief Moore said he is including the traffic radar because his department’s existing units are outdated and should be replaced when purchasing new vehicles.

Chief Moore said the Dodge Ram 1500 pursuit vehicle costs roughly $15,000 less than a similarly equipped Ford F-150.

Chief Moore explained his current budget has enough funds to cover the cost of the truck. The Chief said he had originally planned to purchase the new patrol vehicle in the upcoming fiscal year, but opted to buy it now since the funding was already available.

Chief Moore said he intends to replace all of the SUVs currently used by the Saratoga Police Department with pickup trucks, citing the versatility of the truck beds. An existing Chevy Silverado will be designated as a backup unit for officers still operating SUVs.

Councilman Jerry Fluty added pickup trucks generally maintain a higher resale value than SUVs.

Chief Moore said he expects to take delivery of the truck from ESU Pursuits within 30 to 90 days. The only custom parts added to the truck were a Saratoga PD sticker set and in-bed storage containers.

The Chief said the bed storage system provides better protection than exterior toolboxes.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously voted to allow Chief Moore to spend $62,309 on a 2024 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 patrol truck. The Chief said he expects to receive the new vehicle in closer to 30 days rather than 90.

The post Saratoga Police Will Add New Truck to Vehicle Fleet first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 28, 2025|

Photo – A high school senior practices interview process – Courtesy City of Rawlins

Rawlins high school seniors participated in mock job interviews to improve their employment readiness.

Over four days last month, Rawlins High School students learned how to write resumes and prepare for job interviews. The exercise was designed to improve their ability to find jobs after graduating.

Bigfoot99 sat down with Williams Echo Springs Operations Supervisor Katie Smith and Rawlins High School Career and Technical Educator Heidi Helm to discuss the initiative.

Williams Operations Supervisor Katie Smith explained that before the COVID-19 pandemic, she interviewed hundreds of candidates for each open position at her company. However, after COVID hit, she noticed a sharp decline in applicants. During this time, Smith realized that many people, both young and old, seemed to have lost their ability to handle job interviews.

Smith said applicants struggled with experience-based questions, where they were asked to describe their leadership and problem-solving skills.

Smith said she decided to hire two Rawlins High School graduates, despite their poor interview performance. Those applicants ended up being great additions to the Williams team, leading Smith to determine that they simply lacked job interview experience.

Smith approached Rawlins High School Career and Technical Educator Heidi Helm about conducting mock job interviews to better prepare students for employment after graduation. Smith said Helm immediately saw the value of the initiative.

Beginning on Monday, April 21st, Helm devoted four days of her Senior Intervention and Enrichment classes to job readiness.

On the first day, Wyoming Workforce Services taught students how to craft a resume. Helm said the remaining days were focused on interview preparation and practice.

Approximately 40 high school seniors participated in mock interviews with representatives from more than 10 local entities, including Williams, HF Sinclair, and Memorial Hospital of Carbon County. After each interview, the student was given both verbal and written feedback from the interviewer.

Helm said she plans to hold another mock interview event next year, expanding it to include high school juniors as well as seniors. The Career and Technical Educator said she appreciated that Wyoming Workforce Services taught students how to prepare a resume. However, she wished the students had the opportunity to put that instruction into practice.

Additionally, Helm said she would like to set aside more time for the mock interviews next year, as not all students had the opportunity to participate.

Williams Echo Springs Operations Supervisor Katie Smith said she is working with Carbon County Higher Education Center Executive Director Jennifer Moore to offer a similar class for adults.

Career and Technical Educator Helm thanked Smith and all the industry partners who helped with the initiative.

The post Williams Helps Start Employment Readiness Class for High School Students first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 27, 2025 |

Photo – Wyoming Frontier Prison – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99

To save money, county officials have urged the Carbon County Museum to explore the possibility of moving into the Wyoming Frontier Prison.

Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, now known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison, or Old Pen, finished construction in 1901. The prison, located at 500 West Walnut Street in Rawlins, operated for 80 years, finally shutting its doors in 1981. During that time, approximately 13,500 people, including eleven women, were incarcerated. Fourteen executions were conducted at the facility. In 1988, the historic jail was turned into a museum.

During the May 20th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Wyoming Frontier Prison Historic Site Director Tina Hill provided her annual report and budget presentation. Hill said the Old Pen hosted approximately 15,000 visitors last year, thanks to the $32,500 provided by the county.

Hill acknowledged that property tax relief measures and overall lower tax revenue necessitate budget cuts.

With budget cuts on the table, Hill is requesting $2,500 less from the county in the upcoming fiscal year. The money will allow the historic prison to continue operating into the future.

The remaining funding will come from tour fees, grants, and various community sponsorships and fundraisers.

Hill said the county’s financial contribution enabled the Wyoming Frontier Prison to complete necessary maintenance, lease two billboards along Interstate 80, and convert the historic guards’ quarters into an exhibition space and office.

The Historic Site Director said attendance was up in 2024, with nearly 15,000 tourists visiting the Old Pen. Those visitors, Hill said, supported local businesses.

Hill said she has been working on numerous grant opportunities. However, recent changes in federal grant policies have limited the availability of those funds.

As part of the county’s funding application, Hill was asked if the Wyoming Frontier Prison could merge with another county entity to reduce costs. The Historic Site Director responded that the Old Pen works closely with the Carbon County Museum on events and fundraisers, but consolidating the two entities is not possible.

Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett said the county owns approximately 60 to 70 buildings. The state recommends setting aside 2.5% of the buildings’ value for maintenance, a cost that would amount to millions, which the county can’t afford. Vice Chairwoman Bartlett asked Hill why the Old Pen isn’t considering merging with another entity.

Historic Site Director Hill responded the museum is too large to fit inside of the Wyoming Frontier Prison. The only space available for the museum would require costly safety and accessibility upgrades.

Hill added the gymnasium doesn’t offer as much space as the current Carbon County Museum building.

Vice Chair Bartlett said the Old Pen can’t simply rule out the possibility of joining with another county agency. Funds are decreasing and county government must find ways to save money.

Old Pen Joint Power Board Chairman Dennis Carpenter said the Frontier Prison has investigated the possibility of moving the Carbon County Museum onto the prison grounds. However, that would require the construction of an entirely new building, which would be costly and not alleviate the county’s building maintenance concerns.

Carpenter added the Wyoming Frontier Prison is open to the possibility of merging with the county museum, but said he doesn’t believe it’s economically feasible.

Vice Chair Bartlett stated representatives from the museum and Old Pen must conduct an in-person tour of the prison to determine if the museum could relocate there. Commissioner Sue Jones agreed and said maintaining two historic sites in such close proximity is not financially sustainable.

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners directed Wyoming Frontier Prison Historic Site Director Tina Hill to keep working with the Rawlins Museum on securing space at the Old Pen. Carbon County Museum Director Tom Mensik was also instructed to look into downsizing the museum’s collection to fit within the historic prison grounds.

The post Commissioners Urge Two Rawlins Museums to Merge first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 27, 2025 |

Photo – School lunch example – Bigfoot99 file photo

Both Carbon County school districts are offering free summer lunch programs to school-age children.

Cabon County School Districts One and Two will be offering free lunches through the USDA’s SUN program this summer. SUN, which stands for Summer Nutrition, provides meals to children during the summer months when school meals aren’t available.

Carbon County School District Two Head Cook Josalyn Miller explained through the SUN program, the two districts will take turns providing free lunches throughout the summer.

All Carbon County children between the ages of two and 18 are eligible to receive free lunches from either school district.  Miller said School District Two has been participating in the SUN program for three years. Last summer, Miller said District Two provided 30 school-age children, from Hanna and Elk Mountain, with free lunches each day.

Carbon County School District One Food Service Director Tamera Ratcliffe told Bigfoot99 that the Rawlins and Sinclair schools have participated in the USDA’s SUN program for six years, serving roughly 100 local children every day.

Ratcliffe said the USDA dictates the types of meals District One can offer, which must include meat, vegetables, and a dairy product. Through the month of June, District One will provide free lunches at five locations in Rawlins and Sinclair. Meals must be eaten at the site where they are received.

From July until the beginning of the school year, District Two will hand out summer lunches in Saratoga, Hanna, Medicine Bow, and Elk Mountain. Head Cook Josalyn Miller provided the specific locations where children can receive their free meals.

Unlike District One, children who receive free lunches from District Two do not need to eat them on site. Heating instructions will be included with the meals.

Head Cook Miller explained the lunches are exclusively for children. Parents may accompany their kids, but a child can receive a free meal without a parent present.

District One Food Service Director Tamera Ratcliffe said for many children, school lunch is their only meal of the day. The SUN program helps ensure they continue to have access to meals throughout the summer.

The Carbon County School District One free summer lunch program runs through the month of June. From July 1st through August 14th, District Two will take over the program. For more information, such as specific dates and times, call your local school district. All children between the ages of two and 18 are welcome to take part in the program, no matter their school district.

The post Carbon County School Districts Offer Summer Lunches first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

May 23, 2025 |

Photo – Pedestrian tunnel under railroad tracks – Bigfoot99 file photo

Rawlins officials, facing escalating costs with construction, are debating whether to proceed with building a long-planned pedestrian underpass on Higley Boulevard.

During the May 20th Rawlins City Council meeting, the governing body discussed the pedestrian underpass set to be constructed on Higley Boulevard, near the intersection of Aberdeen Boulevard. The project is a collaboration between the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the City of Rawlins.

For the past 20 years, Rawlins officials have worked with WYDOT to enhance pedestrian safety along Highway 287, also known as North Higley Boulevard. Following extensive studies, the Rawlins Urban Systems Committee and WYDOT determined an underground walking tunnel is the most effective and cost-efficient solution. The tunnel, if completed, will allow pedestrians to travel between the Highland Hills residential area, nearby school campuses, and the Carbon County Higher Education Center without having to cross the busy highway.

In 2022, the city entered a contract with WYDOT to construct the pedestrian underpass for $1,506,659, with the city pledging to cover $158,341, or 9.51% of the total project cost.

Since that time, construction prices have skyrocketed. This past February, WYDOT informed the city the contractor bids came in much higher than expected. The lowest bid was $3,332,767, or approximately $1.8 million over the originally agreed upon cost.

Due to the higher-than-expected costs, WYDOT advised the City Council to reject the bids and seek additional contractor estimates in late March. If the Council had accepted the lowest bid, the city of Rawlins would have been responsible for contributing $1.9 million toward the pedestrian underpass.

At the May 20th City Council meeting, Public Works Director Cody Dill informed the governing body that WYDOT has postponed the bidding process until October. Dill said WYDOT officials want to know if the city remains committed to the project, despite its potential contribution rising from $158,000 to over $1 million.

City Manager Tom Sarvey explained that after receiving the unexpectedly high bids, WYDOT contacted the contractors, hoping to reduce the project’s overall cost. By eliminating portions of the project, such as dirt work, the price was reduced by roughly $400,000.

Sarvey said lowering the total cost has also reduced engineering and construction expenses, potentially saving the city $587,000. However, even with the adjusted price tag, Sarvey said the city would still need to contribute $1.3 million.

City Manager Sarvey said the city currently has no money set aside to cover its portion of the project costs.

City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave added the WYDOT contract stipulates the city is entirely responsible for maintaining the pedestrian tunnel once constriction is complete.

Sarvey said if the city decides to stop the Higley Boulevard pedestrian underpass project, it must reimburse WYDOT for all engineering costs incurred to date, totaling approximately $400,000.

Mayor Jacqueline Wells said she still supports the project despite the rising costs because the pedestrian underpass has the potential to save lives. Additionally, Mayor Wells said she did not want to lose the money the city has already spent.

Councilman Steve Sanger asked how WYDOT could have gotten the estimated cost of the pedestrian underpass so wrong. Public Works Director Cody Dill said the state agency was also surprised by how much the project is expected to cost.

Councilman Sanger said he is reluctant to continue supporting the project since the city’s contribution has increased to ten times the original price.

Following an extended discussion on the inaccuracy of WYDOT’s original estimate, the Rawlins City Council reaffirmed its commitment to the project. However, if the October bids match or exceed the previous round, the Council may reconsider its involvement.

The post Rawlins Council Discuss Higley Boulevard Pedestrian Tunnel Project first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

May 23, 2025 |

Photo – Example of a farmer’s market – Bigfoot99 file photo

In Saratoga, officials will permit food trucks to operate on Bridge Avenue during farmers markets, provided they do not pose a safety risk.

For the past several years, Saratoga residents have hosted a summer farmers market on Sundays at the Saratoga Museum, later relocating to the Town Hall parking lot.

At the May 20th Town Council meeting, Marie Christen, owner of Sweet Marie’s Mercantile, requested approval to change the date and location of the markets. Christen proposed having vendors set up around her business, located near the corner of Bridge Avenue west of Highway 130.

Additionally, Christen requested authorization to block off the parking spots in front of her business for food trucks. The event organizer assured the governing body that the trucks would remain out of the flow of traffic, serving customers on the sidewalk.

Christen said she hopes changing to Saturdays and adding food trucks will boost foot traffic and sales for all businesses in the area.

Mayor Chuck Davis expressed his concern about the inclusion of food trucks. Mayor Davis explained that Bridge Avenue is a busy street, especially on Saturdays. The trucks may impede traffic, the mayor said.

Marie Christen shared the mayor’s concerns. According to her estimates, three or four food trucks could fit in the parking area in front of Sweet Marie’s Mercantile, remaining completely clear of the roadway.

Christen said she considered having the food trucks park outside of Town Hall. However, the event organizer said she wanted the trucks to be a part of the farmers market and avoid the need for attendees to cross the busy highway.

Christen said she is in talks with other Bridge Avenue business owners to take advantage of the increased foot traffic the farmers market is likely to attract.

Saratoga Police Chief John Moore said closing the parking spots in front of Sweet Marie’s Mercantile is not a problem. Chief Moore said he was mainly concerned about the food trucks obstructing visibility, making it more dangerous for pedestrians to cross the road.

Mayor Davis acknowledged a Saturday farmers market is likely to draw more people to Bridge Avenue, boosting sales at local businesses. The Mayor proposed a test run, giving event organizers and the Saratoga Police Department time to assess any potential issues the food trucks may cause.

Police Chief Moore expressed his support for the trial period.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously voted to temporarily allow food trucks to park outside of Sweet Marie’s Mercantile during farmers markets. The governing body will revisit the matter during their June 17th meeting to discuss any concerns.

The Saratoga farmers market takes place on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. outside Sweet Marie’s Mercantile at 111 West Bridge Avenue, running from June through August.

The post Local Business Owner Requests Farmer’s Market Locale Change first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 22, 2025 |

Photo – Saratoga branch library – Bigfoot99 file photo

Due to impending budget cuts, the Saratoga branch of the Carbon County Library System is requesting additional financial support from the town.

At the April 15th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Adelaide Myers, a member of the Carbon County Library System Board of Directors, explained recently passed property relief measures would have a negative impact on the library’s budget. The pending cut would require a 10% reduction in expenses, Myers said.  Since Saratoga already covers the library’s water and sewer bills, Myers requested that the governing body also fund phone and internet costs at $792 per year.

Mayor Chuck Davis said he is open to increasing the town’s financial support for the library and assured Myers the Council will consider the Carbon County Library System’s funding requests during upcoming budget discussions.

Carbon County Library System Board of Directors member Adelaide Myers returned to the May 20th Saratoga Town Council meeting. There, Myers informed the governing body the Friends of the Saratoga Library donated $1,000 to the library.

Myers said the executive director of the nonprofit foundation explained instead of covering utility or other bills, the town can support the library through cash donations.

Myers said the Saratoga Library houses Carbon County’s second-largest book collection, following the Rawlins branch. Saratoga also has the second-highest operating cost. The library is asking the Board of Carbon County Commissioners to allocate $118,000 in county funds for the upcoming fiscal year.

Myers said County Commissioners have warned the Library System to expect less money this year. The Library Board member said she doesn’t know how the library can further reduce operational costs.

Myers said the library is unable to change the price of insurance and the cost of membership in the state library system.

The Library Board member said she believes other towns, whose libraries are also requesting additional financial support, are waiting for another municipality to commit funding before deciding on their own contributions.

Myers urged the governing body to break the stalemate by contributing $5,000 to the Saratoga Library. However, she acknowledged the amount may not be feasible since the town has already set its preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

As the county’s second-largest library, Myers said a substantial donation to the library would reflect positively on the town.

Mayor Chuck Davis asked if the Saratoga Library would benefit more from the town covering additional operational expenses rather than providing a one-time cash donation. Myers said any contribution will help.

Myers said the county has not set its upcoming budget yet, meaning the Library System does not know how much funding it will lose.

Councilman Jerry Fluty asked if the Library Board was seeking donations from local businesses. Myers responded they had reached out to HF Sinclair, but the board is uncertain if the refinery will contribute, given that the Sinclair Library closed last year.

Mayor Davis advised Myers to contact Brush Creek Ranch, the Hot Springs Resort, and Saratoga Forest Management for possible funding opportunities.

Myers said she will present the Town Council’s ideas to the Carbon County Library System Board of Directors. Meanwhile, Mayor Davis said the Council will review the library’s funding request during upcoming budget discussions. Like the county, Saratoga’s budget must be finalized by the end of June.

The post Library Board Member Asks Saratoga Town Council for Funds first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 22, 2025 |

Photo – Dispatch image – Bigfoot99 file photo

The county is moving closer to consolidating all emergency dispatching services under one roof.

During Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken presented a memorandum of understanding between his department and the town of Saratoga for police and fire dispatching services. Sheriff Bakken said the contract is nearly finalized, with only small clarifications needed regarding the distribution of federal emergency 911 grant funding. The sheriff said everyone is on board with the contract.

Carbon County has three agencies providing emergency dispatch services: the sheriff’s department and the Saratoga and Rawlins Police Departments. The county has been working to consolidate all three emergency call centers into the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.

In November of 2023, Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris found, due to a staff shortage, his department could no longer provide 24-hour emergency call coverage.

The Saratoga Town Council signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sheriff’s Office to have a dispatcher from the county cover the Saratoga call center when necessary.

During that time, both law enforcement agencies recognized the advantages of permanently consolidating dispatching services under the county, such as reduced equipment upgrade costs and minimized competition for the limited pool of available dispatchers.

Last June, representatives from Carbon County’s three emergency call centers met in the Platte Valley Community Center to discuss the pros and cons of a single county-wide dispatching center. Sheriff Alex Bakken and Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris agreed that a combined dispatch center will be more efficient and easier to staff. However, Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward said the project is unlikely to save the county money.

The Saratoga Police Department chose to move forward with a combined dispatch center, with Rawlins opting to remain independent.

At the May 20th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Bakken explained that the memorandum of understanding, or MOU, requires the town of Saratoga to pay just over $125,000 annually, with a built-in increase to keep pace with inflation.

Sheriff Bakken reiterated the Saratoga Town Council fully supports the agreement, including transferring Saratoga’s $14,000 of federal emergency 911 funding to the county.

The sheriff acknowledged that some people are unhappy with the idea of a combined dispatch center, viewing it as a loss of autonomy. However, the Sheriff said shrinking financial resources have made consolidation unavoidable.

Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett asked if $125,000 would be enough to fully cover the county’s additional expenses. Sheriff Bakken responded the agreement would fund extra staff and necessary technical upgrades.

The Sheriff added a recent two-week trial demonstrated the consolidation process should be straightforward.

Sheriff Bakken expressed his gratitude to the town of Saratoga for supporting the combined dispatch center. Commissioner Sue Jones thanked Sheriff Bakken for beginning the process, saying previous Boards have unsuccessfully attempted a similar initiative.

The Board of Carbon County Commissions unanimously voted to allow Sheriff Bakken to sign the MOU with Saratoga. The agreement goes into effect July 1st and will be renewed on a yearly basis.

The post Saratoga Signs Dispatching MOU with County first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.