2022 WCCA Fall Meeting at the WACO Conference

2022 WCCA Fall Meeting at the WACO Conference

September 27-29, 2022

CAM-PLEX Wyoming Center

Gillette, Wyoming

Tuesday, September 27

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NITA) held a Wyoming Local Coordination Workshop to discuss broadband in the state. Presentations were given by individuals from NITA, and state, and local officials.

The Campbell County WACO Welcome Reception was held at Grinners Bar and The Axe House.

The WCCA Board of Directors and Business Partners Dinner was held at the Prime Rib Restaurant and Wine Cellar.

Wednesday, September 28

I. Welcome and Introductions

President Jim Willox (Converse County) welcomed attendees to the Wyoming County

Commissioners Association (WCCA) Fall Meeting and led with the Pledge of Alliance. The

WCCA Executive Committee and the WCCA staff were introduced, and all attendees

individually introduced themselves. President Willox thanked the WCCA Business Partners for their continued support in helping make these events possible

II. Approval of Minutes

President Willox moved approval of the previous meeting minutes; it was seconded; motion carried.

III. Presentations

A presentation was given by Joan Youngman and Adam Langley of the Lincoln Institute of

Land Policy. The presentation was titled “Property Tax Relief for Homeowners Report” and

focused on the strengths of property tax, targeted property tax relief, and pros and cons.

Jayne Mockler and Martin Hardsocg of the Wyoming Board of Equalization discussed the

board’s role in assessment disputes and helped explained the commissioners’ role and what standards to apply in the appeals process.

Executive Director (ED), Jerimiah Rieman provided a 2022 Legislative session update along with an overview of the interim committee schedule.

ED Rieman moderated the Funding Emergency Services discussion. He introduced Jen

Davis, Health and Human Services Policy Advisor for Gov. Gordon, Commissioner Larry

Allen (Fremont County), and Marilyn Connolly, Johnson County Emergency Management

Cord. The panel discussion centered around funding, barriers, and challenges.

Before lunch, Kim Hall with the National Association of Counties (NACo) presented the

WCCA with a plaque for being a 100% county member state.

IV. WACO General Session

The Wyoming Association of County Officers (WACO) General Session began at 1:00 pm

with WACO President Bryan Colvard welcoming attendees. Video messages were shown

from Senator John Barrasso, Senator Cynthia Lummis, and U.S. Representative Liz Cheney.

Terry Wolf (Washakie County) and Joel Bousman (Sublette County) presented the NACo

report to inform attendees of what NACo has done over the past year.

Wyoming Speaker of the House Eric Barlow and Senate President Dan Dockstader

provided a Legislative update along with topics that might be discussed during the

upcoming legislative session.

Kim Hall with NACo gave attendees a presentation about NACo.

WCCA Committee meetings were then held followed by the annual WCCA awards dinner

which took place at the Big Lost Venue hosted by Wyoming Machinery.

Thursday, September 29

I. Welcome and Introductions

WACO President Bryan Colvard welcomed attendees at 8:00 am and introduced the

Honorable Governor Gordon.

II. Speakers

Governor Gordon introduced Girls State members who briefly addressed the crowd.

Governor Gordon then provided updates on the state of energy in Wyoming, climate change, revenue, healthcare, 988. He ended by thanking the county clerks for the job they are doing.

State Treasurer Curt Meier provided an overview of state investments and money reserves.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroder gave a speech on why Wyoming

can take the lead in the U.S. for education. WACO President Bryan Colvard adjourned the 2022 WACO meeting.

III. WCCA Call to Order and Presentation

President Willox called the WCCA meeting to order at 10:06 am. He began the meeting by

discussing the congressional tour. Micah Christensen, WCCA Natural Resource Counsel,

gave a presentation on the tour along with Commissioner Short (Converse County) and

Commissioner Theil (Park County). The discussion ended with next year’s tour host.

IV. Committee Meetings

President Willox moved into the committee reports and roundtable discussion. The

following committee reports were given and approved: Agriculture, Water, State, and Public Lands Committee and the Energy and Environment Committee; Revenue Committee; Health, Safety, and Social Services Committee; Elections, Land Use, and Government Operations Committee; and the Transportation and Veterans Affairs Committee.

V. Speaker

President Willox introduced Wyoming State Treasurer Curt Meier who gave a presentation

on Local Government Investment in Equities.

VI. Adjournment

President Willox reminded attendees of the local resource tour at L&H Industrial. President

Willox then adjourned the 2022 WCCA Fall Meeting.