The Kemmerer City Council convened for two consecutive meetings on May 27 and 28, addressing everything from grant funding and local events to critical capital improvement projects.

The regular meeting on May 27 was brief but covered key town updates and financial developments. Kemmerer City Administrator Brian Muir noted that the town’s stage is now fully set up in time for the farmers market and the upcoming Fossil Fest. However, he also shared a less favorable update related to budget projections.

“Unfortunately, due to some of the new legislation in tax-exempt status, our Parks and Recreation forecast is $43,000 lower than it should be,” Muir said, noting an additional $11,000 shortfall for the golf course.

Kemmerer Public Works Director Chad Nielson updated the council on recent airport developments, including a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspection.

“It went really well,” he said. Nielson added that the Wyoming Airport Commission had visited the site. “The governor was on the ground last week in Kemmerer, so it was a busy week.”

Sheryl Gunter of the Fossil Basin Promotion Board presented on the Destination Development Grant, highlighting how the funds were used to improve local signage and support tourism.

“It’s helping build some of the charm in Kemmerer,” she said.

Gunter also requested the formation of a committee to help allocate remaining grant funds and suggested community input on how best to spend them.

Kemmerer Mayor Robert Bowen gave a brief update on two ongoing development projects: Gateway PUD and Canyon Road. “It’s the administrative work that is being done at this point, but it is still moving forward,” he said.

The following day, the council reconvened for its annual Capital X Meeting, which outlines department-level funding requests outside of the normal city budget. As Councilmember Brantley Popp explained, this meeting helps determine which capital improvement projects can be funded from general savings.

“This is a non-negotiable option,” Popp said of the police department’s request for an e-citations system costing $22,500. He emphasized the system is necessary due to changes in state procedures.

“The state of Wyoming has decided to stop printing paper ticket books, and the courts will no longer accept those paper tickets,” Popp said. “This is mandatory, and something we have to do.”

While the council approved the e-ticketing system, it denied a $71,000 request for a new patrol vehicle. However, in-car camera replacements and new body cameras were approved. A radar replacement request for $41,600 remains under consideration for the June budget vote.

“This is a liability thing,” Popp said regarding the camera systems.

The rec center’s request for a $3,800 recumbent bike  was approved, though the council expressed a desire to find a less expensive model. A larger request of $115,000 to repaint the facility’s interior was denied due to cost concerns.

For the airport, which is subject to federal regulations, both funding requests were approved: $18,588 for insulation and $12,842 for security cameras.

The street department requested $481,950 to repave Elk Street, which will proceed if approved in the final vote. Timing depends on contractor availability. Crosspath upgrades at the top of Moose Street were approved at a cost of $34,750, with Popp noting the improvement will help manage stormwater runoff.

A new sander priced at $305,394 was denied.

“The reason it got denied was because of the cost of it,” Popp told the Gazette. He added that the council may revisit the request with more detailed financial options, such as financing.

The South Lincoln Event Center received approval for $16,000 to replace aging chairs.

“We want to make sure that it is an enjoyable experience for them,” Popp said, referencing new businesses using the facility. A $75,000 request to replace the concrete at the front of the building was denied.

Popp also highlighted the city’s newly-approved pothole portal website and reminded residents that the recent approvals were by general consensus, not official votes. Final voting on all items will occur at the first council meeting in June, with funds disbursed in July.

One initiative that Popp was particularly enthusiastic about was the creation of a restricted reserves fund for street repairs — an issue he campaigned on.

“This is an important seed for Kemmerer’s future,” he said.

The new fund will earmark any street department budget savings strictly for street maintenance.

“This is a big victory for streets,” Popp said, emphasizing the long-term planning required for road improvements.

The upcoming council vote in June will finalize which capital projects proceed, marking another key step in Kemmerer’s infrastructure and community development plans.