Sheridan City Council Regular Meeting – January 5, 2026

The regular city council meeting convened at 5:30 PM on January 5, 2026, with Mayor Bridger presiding. Councilmember Lumen was absent. The council heard community updates, public comments, a public hearing on a budget amendment, and considered a final plat for the Bucking Iron Business Park. Several consent agenda items were approved, and the meeting concluded with an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda (5-1 vote with one delayed response).
• Approved consent agenda items A–L (items included: resource allocation up to $5,000 for the 2026 YO Winter Rodeo; purchase of one single arm side loader from CMI TechO for $450,864; purchase of one dual arm side loader from CMI TechO for $480,560.20; purchase of one transit camera van from Q's Inc. for $269,171.16; purchase of one Pierce Enforcer Rescue Engine from Front Range Fire Apparatus for $1,177,826; reappointment of Mayor Rich Bridger to the Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board (3-year term), the Critical Air Service Team (1-year term), and other reappointments; appointment of Jordan Cashup to the Board of Adjustments; approval of December 15, 2025 meeting minutes; and claims). Councilmember Brantz recused himself from item 147 (specific item not identified in transcript).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Harry Pollock (Sheridan resident): Expressed concern over the city's practice of budgeting for 15–22 unfilled “ghost positions” year after year, calling it inefficient and a potential “slush fund.” Urged the council to return unspent funds to taxpayers or restrict them to new hire positions. Also questioned the justification for $1.2 million in new vehicle purchases (agenda items 9C, D, and C) given budget gaps.
• John Wilcox (Sheridan resident): Criticized snow and ice removal performance in December, citing a specific incident on December 17 (plow not seen until 8:30 PM) and dangerous conditions on December 27–28. Called for improved service.
• James Schmidt (Sheridan citizen): Asked about the $450,864 price for the single arm side loader and was referred to the public works director for further discussion.
• Eric Mansell (applicant, owner of Bucking Iron subdivision): Argued against the city’s recommendations to extend an 8-inch water main (approx. 2,700 ft) and pave Bucking Iron Circle, citing a cost of ~$600,000 (about $100,000 per lot) and a severe disproportionate burden. Noted that a nearly identical subdivision (WLM) did not have such requirements and that the utilities director had previously stated no plans to extend utilities. Offered to tie into city water if the city itself extended the line.
• James Schmidt (speaking also on behalf of others): Supported Mansell’s position, emphasizing that the city’s recommendation carries significant weight under the MOU and that requiring the subdivider to pay for the water line would unfairly burden him while benefiting adjacent properties at no cost. Suggested the city could use its utility funds to bring the line and then the developer could hook in.

Discussion Items

• Black Mountain Nordic Presentation (Nick Flores, Executive Director): Reported on the organization’s winter trail grooming (over 30 miles) and new programming. Noted that trails are free to users—unique among comparable communities. Thanks to $10,000 in city GPEP funds used to purchase a new ATV with snow tracks (total cost ~$23,500). Announced new after-school Nordic programs with Sheridan County School District 2 and the YMCA. Winter campaign goal of $40,000 was 98% achieved as of the meeting. Discussion included council comments: Councilman Patzig questioned the fairness of using GPEP funds (taxpayer money) vs. charging users; Councilwoman Lightnum praised free access for students.
• Public Hearing – Resolution 01-26, FY26 Budget Amendment #1: City Administrator Stuart McRae and Treasurer Dara Hawkins presented the budget revision. The amendment includes $2.4 million in emerging needs, partially funded by $5.36 million in general fund surplus from FY25. Key items: completing snow removal and striping funding ($60,000 to fully fund snow day pickup), pothole repair, Midland Road/Hill Pond crossing, uninterrupted power supply for police dispatch, a new fire engine, and a wildland fire module. Staff recommended removing $1 million earmarked for Gillespie Draw right-of-way purchases, pending results of a feasibility study due after the fiscal year. The council approved the budget amendment with that removal.
• Item 10 – Final Plat of Bucking Iron Business Park (Resolution 31-25): Planner Kelly Schroeder reviewed the 20-acre subdivision (6 lots, zoned I2 industrial) located 1,200 ft south of city limits. Staff recommendations: (1) water infrastructure should be extended per city design standards (changed from “shall” to “recommended”); (2) decentralized sewer is acceptable; (3) Bucking Iron Circle should be paved to an appropriate rural section. After public comment, Councilman Brantz moved an amendment to remove recommendations 1 and 3 (water and paving). The amendment failed on a 3-3 tie (Mayor Bridger did not break the tie as per practice). The original motion to approve the plat also failed on a 3-3 tie. The matter will be reconsidered when all seven council members are present.

Key Outcomes

• Budget amendment (Resolution 01-26) approved with the removal of $1 million for Gillespie Draw right-of-way (those funds placed in unreserved fund balance). Motion passed on voice vote with no opposition.
• Bucking Iron Business Park plat not approved; both the amendment to remove water/paving requirements and the original motion failed on 3-3 ties. The item will return at a future meeting.
• Consent agenda approved with one recusal.
• Adjourned to executive session at approximately 6:50 PM under Wyoming statute 16-4-405 (litigation) and then adjourned the regular meeting.