Cheyenne City Council approves solid waste fee updates and postpones water agreement

During the recent Cheyenne City Council meeting held on April 14, 2025, significant discussions centered around enhancing competition in local services and addressing community infrastructure needs.

One of the key topics was the proposal to allow multiple companies to provide services, rather than limiting it to a single provider. A council member expressed concerns that restricting services to one company would create a state-sanctioned monopoly, stifling competition and innovation. The member advocated for a free market approach, suggesting that having three or four companies would better serve the community by fostering healthy competition. However, an amendment to this effect was ultimately rejected by the council.

In addition to the competition discussion, the council approved an ordinance on second reading that updates the solid waste fee schedule, which is expected to impact residents' waste management costs. This ordinance will now move forward for further consideration by the finance committee.

Another notable item was the postponement of a resolution regarding a property located south of High Plains Road. The council acknowledged some miscommunication between city staff and the property owners, which delayed the necessary agreements for water usage. The council decided to postpone this item for two weeks to allow the property owners to finalize their application.

The meeting also included a cooperative agreement with the Wyoming Department of Transportation for thermoplastic pavement markings, with a budget not exceeding $234,845. This initiative aims to improve road safety and visibility for Cheyenne residents.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the council's commitment to fostering competition in local services and addressing infrastructure needs, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for Cheyenne residents. The next steps include further deliberations on the postponed items and continued collaboration with state agencies to improve community services.