Ten Sleep's budget includes first raise for employees in three years

WORLAND – During their mid-month meeting June 22, Ten Sleep mayor Ernie Beckley presented the budget for the fiscal year to the Ten Sleep Council. He explained the discussions resulting in the resolution breakdown and the council was firmly behind the resolution.

According to Beckley, this year’s budget has an increase of just under $79,000.

The budget includes a raise for employees, the first in three years.

Beckley said he didn’t have to adjust the budget specifically for fuel, but instead did an overall increase of $1,500 for fuel and supplies.

The insurance budget was raised by $450, just in case, Beckley added.

The council plans to receive slightly over $42,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. There are no specific projects planned due to its small amount.

Beckley said they have, “Nothing significant in the budget at this time,” in regards to having capital plans that are included in this year’s budget. He added that they have plans for capital projects but they are dependent on grant monies coming through and the continuation of the optional one-cent general purpose sales tax.

Beckley said in addition to approving the budget last month, the council also approved the one-cent sales tax resolution, which moves it to the Nov. 8 ballot.