2023 WCCA Fall Meeting: Elections, Land Use and Government Operations Committee Meeting

Elections, Land Use and Government Operations Committee Meeting

September 27, 2023

Ramkota Hotel

Casper, Wyoming

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Commissioner Dossie Overfield (Park County).

Commissioner Phillip Scheel (Hot Springs) moved to approve the minutes of May 24, 2023, meeting in Douglas, WY. Commissioner Scott Mangold (Park County) seconded the motion. All voted in favor; motion passed.

The first topic discussed was the Regulatory Reduction Task Force work. WCCA Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman stated the task force has been discussing current regulations, agriculture, and workforce. The task force has determined they will probably continue working into the next interim session. Most of the focus to date has been Teton County.

Jerimiah then updated the committee on Historic Horse Racing, discussion regarding local control, boundaries for control, and how to model a license program.

Stacy Woita with Wyoming Retirement System, reviewed the upcoming changes requested by their Board to increase the Law Enforcement category by 5%, with a proposed start date of July 1, 2024 if passed by the legislature. There was no information about if the increase would all be on the employer or if there would be a split with the employee. These funds are to help make the program viable in the future. There is no

proposal to increase any other employee rates currently.

Malcolm Ervin, Platte County Clerk, reviewed changes in election law effective for the 2024 election. He stated there are many improvements in the process for those felons with their rights restored. We reviewed the proposed legislation for a 30-day residency requirement to vote, length of absentee voting, party change over restrictions, campaigning at polling places buffer zones.

Jeff Fuller, Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors, reviewed the need for Counties to review and make sure Engineers and Surveyors are licensed in the State of Wyoming. He reviewed Statements of Qualifications, and Request for Proposal, along with follow up to the State Board if a County has issues with a Wyoming licensed engineer or surveyor.

Lastly, Sheriff Ken Blackburn, Big Horn County, Search and Rescue/Recovery, talked about the current financial situation for the group. They receive $2.00 from most hunting tags and some other outdoor use fees, but they are falling behind due to the current of rescues. The average large rescue used to cost $250,000 and now they are running about $300,000. They are trying to find other sources of funding. The costs include five categories: flight operations, mission fees, equipment needs, training and coroner

reimbursement. They are asking for ideas on raising funds to keep the service viable.

Submitted by

Commissioner Dossie Overfield

Park County