City reaches agreement with West River Road District

WORLAND — After approving rate increases for a depreciation fund for water and sewer users outside the city limits, the Worland City Council agreed to a proposal from the West River Improvement District that would lower those residents’ rates.

In a letter from board members Stanley C. Skinner and Ward Tigner, the district proposed eliminating the $1 assessment fee.

They also wrote, “In addition, we would like to reduce the new monthly assessment fee imposed by the City of Worland from $14.88 down to $13. In exchange for that reduced monthly price, the balance in the West River Road Improvement and Service District, which stands at approximately $5,690, would be transferred to the City of Worland for deposit in a restricted use line replacement account.”

The council voted unanimously with Mike Neufer abstaining and Delayne Renner absent to direct City Attorney Kent Richins to draft an emergency ordinance to change the rates for the residents in the West River Road Improvement and Service District.

STATE OF THE CITY

Mayor Jim Gill provided a State of the City message at Tuesday night’s council meeting, discussing the street improvement projects over the past year, shop area improvements, improvements in the parks, strong police force and a streamlined snow removal process.

“The state of our city is strong and financially prudent and secure,” Gill opened. “We are moving into a new decade with enthusiasm and high expectations for growth and development.”

He concluded, “My point is this, that the city isn’t just about streets, alleys and water bills. It’s about the people who work to make sure you get to work and get home safely; to be able to get the clothes washed, to get the garbage emptied, the parks mowed and have one less pothole to drive around. Folks we’re proud of each and every one of our city employees who make it happen for you day in and day out. They are the big part of the city of Worland and they are very much appreciated.”

ZONING

The city council took up a recommendation from the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission on changing a business zone for two residents on North 15th to residential.

During the BAPC meeting last month it was believed that the change occurred inadvertently in 2016. Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Glanz reported Tuesday night however that the residences had been zoned business since 1985 but it was not caught by the county assessor’s office until this year when the change increased the property taxes of the homeowners, Doris Kern and Laura Hartman.

The council approved the change and directed Richins to draft an ordinance that would change the zoning of their homes to residential. Ordinances require three readings.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business at the council meeting Tuesday night:

•Washakie County Emergency Management/Homeland Security Director Kami Neighbors presented the emergency operations plan for the two year review and approval. She said there were only minor changes from the last approval, changes that included updating contacts and resources in the plan. Over the next two years, before the plan review in 2022 she plans a full revision of the plan.

•The council approved a letter of support for Washakie County, which is seeking a community enhancement grant for the library renovation.

According to the letter the county plans to remodel the main floor of the soon-to-be former Kennedy Ace Hardware building at 801 Big Horn, for the library and include space for the chamber. The upstairs will included offices and meeting spaces for more community development opportunities and organizations including Washakie County Youth Alternatives.

The commissioners wrote, “We believe this collaborative approach ideally meets Worland’s need for revitalized library space while placing our community’s development opportunities front and center in a beautiful downtown location.”

•Mayor Gill reappointed Dan Frederick and James Donahue to three-year terms on the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission. Neufer was elected as president of the council and Keith Gentzler as acting president of the council.

•Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Glanz reported that a proposal that will be before the state Legislature would increase worker’s compensation rates by 3% for law enforcement. She said it has been a while since they have seen an increase. If approved the city will have to decide during the budget process if they will cover any portion of the increase. The city currently covers 11.25% while employees pay 5.95%. Regular city employees pay 3.18% with the city paying 14.44%.