Lawmakers eye changes for special districts 

CHEYENNE (AP) — Special districts governing community needs like pest control are up for review in Wyoming.

A legislative task force on special districts has spent the last year coming up with regulations to propose for these government agencies that collectively manage up to $1 billion in public money, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported.

Wyoming’s Department of Audit has found malpractice in some special districts while others follow the rules.

An interim committee passed two bills that will go to the full Legislature. Both deal with transparency issues, like earlier election notices and maintenance of public records.

The proposed laws would not affect districts under sufficient oversight, including hospital districts.

Worland Fire Protection District Chief Chris Kocher said during the committee’s discussions that districts must have sway when it comes to their finances. He pointed to a fire district that was able to recover from a blaze at its facility because it had cash in reserve.

Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, told the committee that “this just creates additional government burden.”

Rep. Tyler Lindholm, R-Sundance, said, “We’re not talking about this adding on to the average Joe. It should be damn hard to spend taxpayer money.”