In a pivotal move for Laramie's low-income residents, the City Council approved an ordinance aimed at amending municipal service rates during their meeting on March 18, 2025. Vice Mayor Richardson led the charge, proposing the approval of original ordinance number 2096 on its third and final reading, which focuses on affordable municipal service rates for low-income households.

Director Wade, who joined the meeting remotely due to health concerns, outlined the key provisions of the ordinance. Notably, the council decided to maintain the existing credit of $37.58 while introducing a new surface water drainage fee credit of $3.20. This amendment is designed to enhance accessibility for low-income families by eliminating the requirement to enroll in a federal program and aligning income qualifications with Wyoming's low-income energy assistance standards, which is set at 60% of the state median income based on household size.

Wade emphasized that the ordinance had not been updated since 2013 or 2014, making this revision crucial for ensuring that the definitions of eligible households are clear and relevant. The council also opted to remove the automatic credit adjustment recommendation, reflecting their commitment to significantly expand program access.

As the discussion progressed, council members were invited to pose questions, signaling a collaborative approach to finalizing the ordinance. This decision marks a significant step towards improving the affordability of municipal services for Laramie's low-income residents, with the council's actions expected to have a lasting impact on the community.