2024 WCCA Board Retreat Minutes

2024 WCCA Board Retreat

April 30-May 1, 2024

Platte Valley Community Center

Saratoga, Wyoming

Tuesday, April 30

I. Welcome and Introductions

WCCA President Bill Novotny (Johnson County) welcomed attendees to the Wyoming

County Commissioners Association Board Retreat and led with the Pledge of Alliance. The

WCCA Executive Committee and WCCA staff were introduced, and all attendees individually introduced themselves.

Minutes from the 2024 Legislative Conference were then approved.

II. Presentations

Shawn Reese, CEO and Executive Director of Wyoming Humanities, provided an overview of plans for the upcoming Wyoming U.S. Semiquincentennial Celebration in 2026. He shared details about the theme, “US at 250: Wyoming’s Declaration of Imagination,” and discussed commemorative activities and funding strategies for the celebration. Reese also provided information about Wyoming Humanities, its mission, and its ongoing initiatives. WCCA President Bill Novotny and WCCA Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman delivered a WCCA Board of Directors Orientation. This presentation covered the history of the WCCA from its founding in 1967 to its current vision, mission, and strategic direction, offering board members valuable insights into the association’s operations.

A strategic plan review and discussion followed, addressing key items such as non-dues

revenue sources, the commissioner list serve, WCCA committee engagement and approach, monthly delegation and governor’s office conference calls, the renewal of the county snapshot, and Amendment A.

An update on natural resource policy was then provided, including a review of current

activities, future plans, and a discussion on staffing capacity to support these efforts.

WCCA Treasurer Robert Short (Converse County) presented a financial report, which was followed by a discussion of the FY25 budget. Topics included the proposed budget,

proposed dues structure, and staff performance evaluations. The board passed a motion to maintain dues at their current levels.

The board then went into executive session.

The evening ended with a social hour and dinner at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort.

Wednesday, May 1

I. Presentations

The second day of the 2024 WCCA Board Retreat began with an update from Chad Auer,

Special Project Advisor from the Governor’s Office, who provided insights into the key

issues being monitored and addressed by the governor's team.

This was followed by a presentation from Christine Emminger and Diana Cabriales of the

Wyoming Budget Department. They discussed the department’s functions and resources,

including their website, and demonstrated how both could be effectively utilized by

attendees.

Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman then delivered a session recap and provided an interim legislative committee update, highlighting potential areas of interest for the upcoming legislative session.

To conclude the conference, the board engaged in a roundtable discussion centered on

property taxes, focusing specifically on county optional property tax refunds and deferral

programs.

The day concluded with a tour of Brush Creek Ranch, followed by a dinner attended by the

WCCA Board and Business Partners