December 11, 2025 Cheyenne City Council Public Hearing on Six Penny Sales Tax
Cheyenne City Council Public Hearing on Six Penny Sales Tax
On December 11, 2025, the Cheyenne City Council convened a public hearing to review a preliminary list of projects for the upcoming six penny sales tax ballot, scheduled for an election in August 2026. Chief of Staff Amber Ash presented an overview of over 20 proposed projects totaling approximately $120 million, a reduction from an initial $190 million request. The meeting focused on gathering public feedback regarding the necessity, prioritization, and viability of these initiatives, particularly the Reed Avenue Rail Corridor and the Johnson Pool. Council members engaged in detailed discussions regarding funding parameters, ownership structures, and specific logistical concerns raised by citizens and stakeholders.
Consent Calendar
- None recorded; the meeting proceeded directly to the public hearing agenda.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jim Ridgway: Expressed concern regarding the response time implications of relocating Fire Station 6; supported the replacement of fire apparatus but questioned the use of six penny funds for turnout gear given potential general fund availability. Regarding the Johnson Pool, he stated he would not support the renovation if a new private facility is developed by the Brown family, citing the risk of redundancy. He also questioned the necessity of a $4 million pump house renovation and the airport Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG), suggesting private sector viability.
- Wendy Volk (Board member, DDA, Visit Cheyenne, Air Focus Team): Stated full support for all proposed projects. She emphasized the need for infrastructure to support growth and quality of life, specifically highlighting the Johnson Pool as a critical public outdoor facility compared to private or indoor alternatives. She praised the Downtown Development Authority's progress and supported the airport and fire projects.
- Brian Bow (Property owner, DDA board): Expressed support for the Reed Avenue corridor and increased downtown funding for curb and gutter, noting the necessity for these improvements to maintain property values. He also voiced support for the airport MRG.
- Dave Tupner (Investor, West Edge Steering Committee): Expressed strong support and excitement for the Reed Avenue project, citing significant prior investment and a new alignment with the railroad. He recommended prioritizing projects that generate tax revenue to address the city's revenue needs rather than liabilities.
- Jackie Sentrap (Ward One resident): Expressed support for the Johnson Pool renovation, citing fond childhood memories and the need for a public outdoor facility for the south side community.
- Carla Gregorio (President, Wyoming Independent Citizens Coalition): Expressed support for the Johnson Pool, arguing against making funding decisions based on "what ifs" regarding private development. She emphasized the pool as a vital public amenity for south Cheyenne and DDA businesses.
- Doug Klon (City Construction Manager): Expressed strong support for the road maintenance request, citing successful pavement management results from the previous six penny cycle (approx. $28.7 million invested) and urging the council to secure the additional $15 million request.
- Brennan Westby (West Viet Brewing): Expressed hope and support for the Reed Avenue project, noting that progress in railroad agreements has renewed his faith in the project's ability to reinvigorate the west side of downtown.
- Representative File (Texted): Expressed support for both the Reed Avenue project and the Johnson Pool.
Discussion Items
- Reed Avenue Rail Corridor: Significant discussion occurred regarding the 30% design submission to the BNSF Railroad. Mayor Cobb clarified that this was a historic first step where the railroad agreed to the concept and supported four street closures, moving the project closer to viability. Councilwoman Aldrich raised concerns about property ownership (airport vs. city) and the potential for a pre-existing tenant. Councilman Laborne questioned the applicability of special airport liquor licenses for a restaurant tenant, noting discrepancies with statements from the Wyoming Liquor Dealers Association.
- Johnson Pool Renovation: Debated the necessity of the $10 million renovation given a potential private competitor from the Brown family. Councilwoman Volk and residents argued for the pool's unique value as an outdoor public facility, while Councilman Ridgway maintained opposition if a private competitor is confirmed.
- Fire Rescue Projects: Discussion covered the $11 million for Fire Station 2 (south side) versus the $9.77 million for Fire Station 6 (north side). Staff indicated a prioritization where only one station might proceed if the ballot is funded. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of funding the $1 million in turnout gear replacement and whether the city should front costs from the general fund.
- Arts and Aviation Center: Councilman Wolf questioned the project's scope and naming. Council members clarified the intent is to renovate the 1960s terminal (core and shell) to attract a restaurant tenant and house an arts center, funded by $3.9 million in the proposal. Councilwoman Aldrich raised concerns about property ownership (Cheyenne Regional Airport Board), the fact that rental income does not return to the city, and the ambiguity regarding the special liquor license eligibility.
- Municipal Building Remodel: Mayor Seagrave explained the decision to remodel the existing complex rather than build a new one (which would cost over $50 million) to fit the budget, prioritizing the remodel as the top priority for Public Works.
- Road Maintenance: Doug Klon provided data on the success of previous road maintenance funding, highlighting 90 miles of crack sealing and 11.2 miles of overlays completed over four years, reinforcing the need for the additional $15 million annual funding.
Key Outcomes
- The city is proceeding with a preliminary list of projects totaling approximately $120 million for the six penny sales tax ballot.
- Council members acknowledged the need to further reduce the list by approximately $45 million before submission to the county and other local governments.
- Priorities identified for potential reduction include the Fire Station 6 project (if Station 2 is selected) and potentially the Arts and Aviation Center pending legal review regarding liquor licenses and property ownership.
- Staff confirmed that the Reed Avenue project has achieved a significant milestone with BNSF railroad support for the design and street closures.
- The council plans to introduce a resolution soon, followed by committee of the whole meetings, to finalize the ballot propositions by the April 6th county submission deadline.
- The airport Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) funding request stands at $1.2 million for the six penny cycle to maintain the Cheyenne-Denver flight connection.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the December 10th public hearing on the six penny sales tax. Let's start with uh calling of the roll. Mr. Escobel. Mr. Layborn. Here. Mr. Moody. Here. Dr. Rinney. Present. Mr. Seagrave. Present. Mr. White. Present. Mr. Wolf. Here. Dr. Aldrich. Mayor Collins. Here. Dr. Emmons. Present. One member is absent. We do have a quorum. That's awesome. You know, it's not on the agenda, but let's rise and say the Pledge of Allegiance, please. I pledge allegiance to the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One agent undervisible with liberty underall. Review of proposed six penny projects. Cheyenne fire rescue, station two replacement relocation, station six replacement relocation, replacement of three fleet apparatus and loose equipment, two type, one engines, and one straight stick ladder truck, and miscellaneous equipment. City Council, Downtown Improvement Projects, Reed Avenue Corridor, and Remodel of Cheyenne Auxiliary Pumping Station, Community Recreation and Events, Greenway Maintenance and Johnson Pool Renovation, Engineers Office, Road Maintenance, Outside Entity, Airport and Arts and Aviation Center, Planning and Development, Greenway Reconstruction, Police Department, Digital Equipment and Software for Operations, Firearms Training Facility Improvements, Multipurpose Rescue and Response Vehicles, and Multi-based Storage Building and Public Works, Addition and Rmodel of Exciting Municipal Building. Thank you. That was a long list. So over the last few months, the city council has been holding work sessions to start talking about different projects that we might want to put onto the uh six penny sales tax as an opportunity to educate ourselves and also to educate the public and let the public know what we were working and thinking about uh for our next six penny sales tax. Uh so we thought maybe we would start the meeting today with our chief of staff, Amber Ash, doing a short presentation on the projects that have been uh uh brought to our attention, and then we'd open up to the public to talk about those projects and uh and then the governing body. And the purpose of this uh meeting, I think today is just to uh uh get on to the record all the projects we're considering, asking the public if there's anything more that we need to add. And um looking forward to hearing your feedback. So with that, Chief of Staff Ash, please. Hey, um well, good evening, Amber Ash, Chief of Staff for the City of Cheyenne. Um, so tonight I've we prepared a high-level overview of the different city projects that are being considered for the six penny. Again, this is just the city's projects, so it doesn't include any county product projects or um projects for the smaller communities. Um this overview will serve as a refresher for those who attended the work sessions and then just provide some basic information for those who were unable to participate.
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