Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
WORLAND - In unprecedented times, the Washakie County commissioners met via phone conference on Tuesday to discuss bids for road projects and possible restrictions of camping to help prevent the future spread of novel coronavirus 2019.
With spring and summer fast approaching, Commissioner Aaron Anderson brought to the attention of the other commissioners and County Attorney John Worrall a situation that happened in Gunnison County, Colorado, where county officials dealt with issues of an influx of tourists, and closed their borders to tourists entering the county, imposing a fine of up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
The commissioners held an hour-long discussion regarding what the best options were regarding this potential problem arising with tourist season approaching in Wyoming. The commissioners decided to draft a letter to send to the Wyoming State Health Officer regarding a potential nuisance law being placed regarding restricting camping gatherings to disperse and/or be observed in a quarantine manner as out-of-state tourists could potentially enter Washakie County unknowingly carrying the virus to escape the situations developing in other states.
The commissioners are seeking out options through the state to determine the best course of action in order to make sure they do not overstep their bounds regarding in-state and county residents’ freedoms.
A bid for repairs on Road 54 was awarded to Nowood Construction for $158,754.16, which includes additional footage than was originally asked for in the initial bid that the commissioners discussed prior to approval.
The commissioners plan to seek out alternative funding for a project on Road 47 which saw bids in excess of $500,000, and the commissioners are seeking additional funding through the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) or outside funding sources. The commissioners tabled a decision on this plan until additional funding is sought out.
The commissioners entered executive session one time to address personnel. They came out of executive session and hired one new road and bridge employee.