Sweetwater County Bomb Squad receives $244K for new equipment including bomb robot

The Sweetwater County Commissioner Board convened on March 6, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including funding for the Bomb Squad, staffing challenges in the County Attorney's Office, and a proposal for GIS contract services.

The meeting began with a discussion on a $244,113.41 funding request for the Sweetwater County Bomb Squad, which is part of the Regional Emergency Response Team overseen by the Sheriff's Office. The funding will be allocated for critical equipment, including a new bomb robot, EOD bomb suits, and other essential supplies. The current bomb robot, in service since 2009, has become outdated and is no longer operational. The Sheriff emphasized the importance of this equipment for community safety, particularly in tactical operations. The funding is sourced entirely from state grants, with no taxpayer money involved, and the board unanimously approved the contract with the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.

Next, the board addressed staffing issues within the County Attorney's Office. HR Director Gary McClain and County Attorney Danny Aramosby presented a proposal to hire a seasonal legal intern to help alleviate staffing shortages. The intern position would not require additional funding, as it would be covered by existing budget allocations due to current vacancies. The board expressed support for this initiative, recognizing the need to attract new talent to the county's legal team.

The final agenda item involved a proposal to contract GIS services following the vacancy of the GIS position. Assessor Dave Divas explained that contracting would allow for timely updates to the county's public map server, which is crucial for various stakeholders, including banks and realtors. The board discussed the potential budget implications and agreed to move forward with seeking bids for these services, aiming to ensure accurate and up-to-date public data.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to enhancing public safety through improved equipment for emergency services, addressing staffing challenges in the legal department, and maintaining accurate public records through GIS services. The commissioners expressed optimism about these initiatives and their potential impact on the community.