2024 WCCA Legislative Conference

2024 WCCA Legislative Conference

February 14-16, 2024

Blue Community Event Center

Cheyenne, WY

Wednesday, February 14

I. Welcome and Introductions

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

Commissioners Association (WCCA) Legislative Conference and led with the Pledge of

Alliance. The WCCA Executive Committee and the WCCA staff were introduced, and all

attendees individually introduced themselves. President Novotny thanked the WCCA

Business Partners for their continued support in helping make these events possible.

II. Presentations

Department of Revenue Director Brenda Henson and Property Tax Division Administrator

Ken Guille both gave a Property Tax 101 presentation which delved into the fundamental

components of property taxation in the state. From its beginnings to understanding

assessment methods, this session will help provide a clearer perspective on the nuances of Wyoming’s property tax system.

WCCA Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman gave a presentation on county property taxes. Hetalked about how residential property taxes have steadily increased, reaching double-digit increases statewide in 2023, and, as such, legislators have faced intense pressure to enact broad-based relief aimed at controlling residential property taxes. Further, the Secretary of State has advanced the People’s Initiative to Limit Property Tax in Wyoming through a Homeowner’s Property Tax Exemption. In this session, WCCA Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman examines county property taxes and variations across Wyoming.

The day ended with the WCCA Legislative Reception, sponsored by Black Hills Energy,

Wyoming Machinery, and Rocky Mountain Power, held at the Gallery at the Met.

Thursday, February 15

I. Welcome and Introductions

On the second day of the 2024 WCCA Legislative Conference, Bill Novotny, WCCA

President, gave a call to order while Jerimiah Rieman, WCCA Executive Director

overview of the voting process and followed by bill review and voting.

Voting was paused for lunch and to hear from Olivia Schon, Director of Development

and Marketing, Wyoming 2-1-1, Inc. She talked about Wyoming 211’s database of

health and human resources, its statewide programs, and how commissioners can

have access to real-time call data to help document community needs and create

reports.

Following lunch, bill review and voting continued.

After lunch, a trolley departed for the Capitol from the Blue Community Event

Center.

II. Presentations

While at the Capitol, commissioners heard from Jerimiah Rieman, WCCA Executive

Director, and Riana Davidson with the Legislative Service Office, who gave a

presentation titled: Understanding the WY Legislature.

Commissioners then heard the following remarks by Statewide Elected, and non-

elected, Officials:

Governor Mark Gordon

Secretary of State Chuck Gray

State Auditor Kristi Racines

State Deputy Treasurer Dawn Williams

State-Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder

After remarks were given, commissioners visited with Legislators and were

dismissed for the evening.

The evening wrapped up with commissioners hosting county dinners with legislators.

Friday, February 16

I. Welcome

President Bill Novotny welcomed everyone to the final day of the legislative conference.

II. Presentations

The day started with the county commissioner roundtable where commissioners discussed conversations they had the previous night with their local state legislators. A few topics discussed were property taxes, local control, cybersecurity, and energy.

Structuring Human Resource Management was a panel discussion on the topics of statutory v. local control, human resource policies and manuals, workforce planning and

development, and liability concerns, among other issues.

The final item on the agenda was a presentation titled Engaging the Community in Decision-Making. The discussion was designed to equip county commissioners with essential skills and strategies for effectively engaging the community in decision-making processes. Best practices were identified and demonstrated for conducting meaningful meetings, forums, and outreach initiatives that encourage citizen participation.

III. Adjournment

President Novotny adjourned the 2024 WCCA Legislative Conference at 10:50 a.m.