The Sheridan City Council met on Monday, June 15, 2026, in a regular meeting. The agenda included a community update from Sheridan Memorial Hospital, public hearings on the FY26 budget amendment and the FY27 budget, final plats for two subdivisions, second readings of two ordinances, and several new business items.
Mike McCafferty presented on the hospital's consideration of a federal 'critical access' designation. He said Sheridan County's average age is 42.9, and 23.9% of residents are over 65 (up from 15.6% in 2010). Under the current prospective payment system, Medicare pays about 75 cents per dollar of cost, while commercial payers pay about $1.46. In 2025, top-line revenue was $360 million, with 65% outpatient care and deductions from revenue of 59%. He noted the hospital would have exceeded a 25-inpatient-bed cap only 3.8% of the time in 2025 (1.4% in 2024). Changing to cost reimbursement would likely generate a 10% or greater annual improvement in operating margin. He answered questions about the 25-bed federal limit, the Affordable Care Act, behavioral health beds, and the hospital's status as a county memorial hospital.
The council approved the consent agenda, including:
Ron Patterson, a local developer, spoke on the parks budget and Holly Ponds Park. He said the park was turned over to the city 11 years ago with a $600,000 donation to the city. He expressed support for more park maintenance and offered a $20,000 donation for a high school student cleanup effort, asking the city to match by doing infrastructure work.
Stephanie Bluer, a county-side property owner adjacent to the proposed West Haven Estates, requested that the subdivider be required to construct a perimeter fence along the south boundary, citing Wyoming statute 18-53-19, which places the burden on the subdivider. She also raised concerns about drainage and irrigation easements and requested consideration of a larger setback to allow free water flow.
Salvador, a property owner near the West Haven development, expressed concerns about growth, traffic, water, and the existing ecosystem around the drainage; he asked that the city be responsible in development.
Maggie Wisnewski, a Sheridan resident, said the city's current eight mills plus two potential mills requested for a senior district (The Hub) would be 'double dipping' on top of the city's $80,000 GPET allocation to The Hub.
Amber Horsley, a Sheridan resident, said the Riverstone Village trash collection plan would result in 'massive trash cans everywhere' and urged the council not to approve the plat.
Drew Davis, a Gateway district resident, opposed the Riverstone density, stating that townhouses are less desirable for families than detached single-family homes and the development does not align with Sheridan's values.
Trevor Norris, a local contractor, supported Riverstone, saying the high-density design lowers construction costs and provides needed affordable housing.
Barbara Hill gave positive feedback on the parade chair resolution and suggested the city tell the public to put identification on their chairs if collected.
City Treasurer Darla Hawkins presented the second FY26 budget amendment, reducing the overall budget from $155,046,742 to approximately $136,325,000. The amendment ties out the end of the year, cleans up contingencies, rebudgets encumbered purchases, and adds newly received grants. The resolution passed by voice vote.
City Administrator Stuart McRae presented the FY27 budget, calling it 'a day of reckoning.' The budget includes a 3% cost-of-living increase, four new positions, and full use of the city's eight mills of property tax. He explained that reducing the mill levy could hurt the city's eligibility for state grants and low-interest loans. Councilmember Andy spoke against the budget, citing concerns about nonprofit funding, non-maintenance art projects, and membership in the Wyoming Association of Municipalities; he voted no. The budget passed with one dissenting vote.
City Planner Kelly Schroeder and City Engineer Tom presented the final plat for the 91-lot subdivision on Midland Road. The proposal includes 60-foot rights-of-way, sidewalks, and a school zone. Traffic signal warrant analysis for Fifth and Midland and Fifth and Long showed no criteria met by 2031 projections. Drainage plans show detention ponds that release at or below pre-developed flow rates. The engineer confirmed that a barbed wire fence along the north boundary would be replaced and realigned. The final plat and requested depth-to-front-ratio variance for lots 71–91 were approved by voice vote.
City Planner Kelly Schroeder presented the final plat for the 139-unit townhouse subdivision on Dovetail Lane. The applicant requested the affordable housing density of 10 units per acre provided in the Villages Master Plan. The plan includes public and private streets, a solid waste plan with centralized collection on Stillwater Loop, and a pathway to a future city park. Public comments raised concerns about density and trash management. Developer Swain Redinger responded that the design provides multiple off-street parking spaces per unit and fills a need for attainable housing. The final plat and variance passed by voice vote.
We stand for the pledge, please. One nation under God. So good evening, everyone, and welcome to our Monday Night Council meeting. Mr. Cohen, if you could provide us with the invocation, that would be great. And thank you for coming tonight. Thank you all for all your service. Traveling around the country. I've seen many cities, and I can tell that this city is very well cared for, and I want to thank you for that. Let's pray. Father in heaven, I thank you so much for this opportunity to serve our community of Sheridan. I pray for everyone here, every decision that is made here, that you would speak to our hearts, Lord, that we would hear your will for every decision, and that your name would be glorified in this place. We invite your Holy Spirit to come and move and reign here in this place. In Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Thank you so much. Michael, if you could be so kind. Roll call. Councilmember Lemon? Present. Councilmember Brans? Present. Councilmember Wood? Here. Councilmember Lecknam. Present. Councilmember Wetzel? Present. Councilmember Fetzi? Here. And Mayor Bridger. Here. Thank you so much. I would now take a motion or for the consideration of the agenda to have a motion. So moved. Drive a second. Second. I have a motion and a second. You beat me. Okay. I have a motion and a second. Any discussion on the agenda? Nothing. Hearing none. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Posed. That motion passes.