2025 WCCA Spring Meeting Minutes

2025 WCCA Spring Meeting

May 14-16, 2025

Wyoming Life Resource Center

Lander, Wyoming

Wednesday, May 14

Fremont County Welcome Reception

The 2025 Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA) Spring Meeting convened with a welcome reception at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum in Lander sponsored by Atlantic City Credit Union and Alexander Excavation, Inc. President Natalia Macker (Teton County) thanked Fremont County for hosting and recognized local dignitaries and sponsors.

Thursday, May 15

I. Welcome and Introductions

President Macker welcomed everyone, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the WCCA Executive Committee and staff. Commissioners and other guests introduced themselves individually.

II. Legislative Recap and Interim Preview

WCCA Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman provided an overview of the 68th Wyoming Legislature during which the WCCA tracked more than 150 bills. He summarized outcomes relevant to counties, including property tax reform, equity investment legislation, local government associations, and more.

III. Fremont County Legislative Panel

Senator Cale Case and Representatives Ivan Posey and Lloyd Larsen were joined by Senator Troy McKeown who reflected on the 68th Legislature and upcoming interim, including their priorities. Elected officials’ associations, property tax reform, and 911 and emergency services were major discussion points.

IV. Property Taxes – Dramatic Changes and Unknown Impacts

Department of Revenue Director Brenda Henson and Property Tax Division Administrator Ken Guille with Melissa Shinkle, President of the Wyoming County Assessors Association discussed the extensive changes in Wyoming’s property tax structure and their projected impact on counties through FY27.

Before concluding the session, the WCCA honored Director Henson upon her upcoming retirement, recognizing 37 years of service to Wyoming, including here tenure as Laramie County Assessor, leadership in the Wyoming Association of County Officers, and service as Director of the Department of Revenue.

V. Lunch and Congressional Delegation Update

The luncheon featured recorded remarks from U.S. Senator John Barrasso, U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, and U.S. Congresswoman Harriet Hageman who discussed their recent work and priorities for the 119th U.S. Congress.

VI. Creative Thinking – Maximizing Local Government Revenue Streams

Panelists Lindsey West, President of the Wyoming County Treasurers Association, Hank Hoversland, Executive Director of the Wyoming Taxpayers Association, Brenda Henson, Director of the Department of Revenue, and Carter Napier, President of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities, explored strategies for diversifying county revenues and strengthening fiscal sustainability.

VII. WCCA Committee Meetings

The afternoon was devoted to WCCA committee meetings.

VIII. WCCA Social Hour and Banquet

The evening banquet featured remarks by Governor Mark Gordon. Governor Gordon addressed attendees on fiscal transparency, his dedication to empowering local communities, and continued economic transformation.

Friday, May 16

I. Call to Order

President Macker reconvened the meeting and thanked Wyoming Machinery for sponsoring the previous evening’s banquet.

II. WCCA Business Meeting

The Association conducted its annual business meeting, including:

• Committee reports from all six WCCA standing committees.

• A roundtable discussion of “150 Years of County Commissioners in Wyoming,” reflecting on the history and evolution of the position.

• Dialogue on federal funding impacts, including contracts, grants, and compliance.

III. Generative Artificial Intelligence for Counties

Rita Reynolds, Chief Information Officer and Managing Director, County Tech Xchange with NACo delivered a presentation on the emergence of generative AI in local government. She provided examples and discussed opportunities for improving service delivery, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening cybersecurity, while emphasizing ethical considerations and data privacy in AI deployment.

IV. Preparing for and Financing Capital Improvement Projects: What Counties Should Know to Make Informed Decisions

The final session featured Delbert McOmie, Director of the State Construction Department, Eric Givan, President of Groathouse Construction, Beth Blackwell, Grants and Loans Manager with the Office of State Lands and Investments, and Kevin Hibbard, Director of the State Budget Department who outlined best practices for long-range capital planning, project prioritization, funding diversification, and asset management.

V. Adjournment

With no further business, President Macker adjourned the meeting.