[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6245403,"mediaKeyId","3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586","parentId",3226577,"title","Cheyenne budgets $12.5 million annually from voter-approved fifth‑penny sales tax under Resolution 6248","audioSeconds",193,"startMs",1941945,"endMs",2135025,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586&start=1941&end=2135","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586/thumbnail_1941945.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6245403/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/Cheyenne-budgets-125-million-annually-from-voter-approved-fifthpenny-sales-tax-under-Resolution-6248","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245403-398ff81a4bab21f747ee4402ae06cc04/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158105&Signature=jkNsSbnzXobjCwUSGbbCA43rRpX0ACq6h4R4BQBe4S49KFgwnrPSWCEnEzyZPhr~g4hqbx~sVtYq~mdK5aVWRdymchjZOhSimV7HgDVjK~A9D7TqRa8HfKvRi2yOMtmav~aujaBIJkA4ARV3Wzg-XO3SNSfgPfZ2hf8sgW~uIU2CggJEGOQKySTiKHJ3nQGUoSLwABn815OOH~0bQjxgZPWZ9b-AWJpHgGyW4FN1NKnwNZLHUk5D~lWUqu6MXB8~TZmOHoHitqnXY0XFbCyaRvh22E7Z1pmK3AJNlqmNw1zia5lbEaynKsbZ-Q61KtFmUcHhqXJbya6HNJf59thBcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Cheyenne WY","date","2025-05-08T07:08:28Z","article","Director Vicky Nemechek described the city’s special revenue fund commonly called the \"fifth penny\" or 1% sales tax, which voters approved for a set number of years. The presentation said the tax collection period runs from 2023 to 2026 and that the initial estimate for the collection period was $50,000,000, which is budgeted as $12,500,000 per year plus a portion of interest.

Nemechek referenced Resolution 6248 as the document that describes how the tax will be used and summarized the fund allocation as presented in the budget materials. A councilmember asked whether the fifth penny reauthorization would typically be combined with the sixth penny ballot measure; Nemechek said the city has not historically held those measures together and that she would check the records to confirm timing.

No council action was taken during the presentation; staff indicated they would provide additional election-timing or reauthorization information if council requested it during the budget review process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Work Session - FY 2026 Budget Public Works - 05-07-25","oneSentenceSummary","Public Works presentation summarized the fifth-penny (1% sales) tax: voters approved collections for a set four‑year term (2023–2026), with the tax estimated at $50 million overall and $12.5 million per year; Resolution 6248 describes allowable uses.","taxTitle","Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming","taxId",4607,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6245408,"Cheyenne solid waste budget stresses route optimization, compost expansion and a landfill lifespan estimate of 55–60 years",437,2587945,3025730,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586&start=2587&end=3025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586/thumbnail_2587945.jpg","/articles/6245408/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/Cheyenne-solid-waste-budget-stresses-route-optimization-compost-expansion-and-a-landfill-lifespan-estimate-of-5560-years","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245408-ee64bb60ffa330681b39140807a7ef9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158105&Signature=RJv0AGlU70skTxA~ToS-pJmMpRg5dXyuYhHo-m9W8w2-GXxLj7uIZli~sxXsZEj1KgIhb0x7q5C-5xvukFxwQ1SbdE-GYUJHzxLmoMOreSZlUCx5OWQeYywUorNPmF8mMl1~k5Jb2CT-jW2MdjjD4u3lf5rd9mVij20quLFIKh3CTm9T0gjMz8ACGuTeHOgdgEWOiS8ytorgmlluOV~JouDI4csJbwHAZ7UQehGLEP4eEJulrAKBC9AedFd-kGI2RF336VzGx4qweXM0Dyhd-tNiOvzy-zvpPk1q8tNC68qxIg~1hRsAxwTxVO-5TzOrp87qUYX2rHEkA03IuPRkiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sanitation Manager Austin Reiner and landfill manager Sam Quantetrini reviewed the solid waste division’s FY26 budget and operational changes, detailing customer counts, recent routing work and near-term needs.

Reiner told council the division serves about \"24,000 residential and 2,400 commercial customers.\" He said the department disposes of \"about 20 250 tons of waste daily at our Happy Jack Landfill site,\" a phrase used in the presentation that staff characterized as an approximate operational figure and that council members asked to verify in follow-up materials. Reiner also said regular collection stops are about 7,000 per day and that optional summer yard-waste pickups add another 2,500–3,000 stops on high-volume days; roughly 12,000 customers participate in the optional yard-waste program.

Reiner described a recent residential route rerouting that the department says improved efficiency, reduced mileage and will be tracked for fuel savings. He said the city is also working to improve recycling education to reduce contamination and is exploring rerouting commercial routes for increased efficiency.

On landfill life, staff estimated that — assuming current recycling, cover-soil practices and modest population growth (roughly 2.5–3% per year) — the Happy Jack Landfill lifespan is roughly 55–60 years. When asked about the effect of greater-than-expected annexation or growth on that projection, staff noted that large-scale annexation (for example a major South Side annexation) could require additional collection trucks and would shorten the landfill’s projected lifespan.

Reiner also flagged a $5,500 increase in Belvoir Ranch revenue tied to new grazing leases and described operational steps such as taller fencing and a customer drop-off area at the landfill to help reduce litter and improve on-site safety.

Council asked about apartment-complex recycling programs and contamination; staff said prior attempts at roll-out to multifamily properties produced high contamination rates and that property-management responsibility had been discussed as a possible model. The council asked staff to provide additional documentation and metrics on contamination rates and to continue public education efforts. No formal actions were taken during the presentation.","Sanitation manager Austin Reiner and landfill manager Sam Quantetrini presented FY26 solid waste plans, including rerouted residential collection, expanded compost work, an increase in grazing revenue at Belvoir Ranch and an estimated Happy Jack Landfill lifespan of roughly 55–60 years under current assumptions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6245412,"Cheyenne fleet fund includes $300,000 fuel-system upgrade and $250,000 shop design",281,2034480,2316395,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586&start=2034&end=2316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586/thumbnail_2034480.jpg","/articles/6245412/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/Cheyenne-fleet-fund-includes-300000-fuel-system-upgrade-and-250000-shop-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245412-a87001e9ce83b6d329c052736649b1e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158105&Signature=fw2wU9OYd7RwTBgd1kvPRDfzcfe4bzNoeo4ffHgTTWDnxCDfD3HieEmXZLUXVFAzjyj2iSBs5FNrTWFGWGJd~SDdnKrJRFhl3-8LHw~yPF6Vqk2YzOPw~zXxtsH3IN1oUiq8NUZKbGoXN6VTiRO7NzYtO1XzJXrTivOGX-LoyIeS8amLZb6luFacPJdki7MxoggKx~zxyFwBBgCWedmZJNU1gyBKm0ommuzECvjaxDnRLMwTxlslzad7PNgJtesr3xpilFzMV~26rnH1TT~w75Al5sO3PQm9lzYeXE6DXXPMYKQ9vr95x24FXLbfssA99oC4OilaKcmymENncQ007A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deputy Public Works Director Craig LaVoy reviewed the fleet division’s FY26 budget, describing both one-time and planning expenses intended to modernize fuel access and address space constraints at fleet facilities.

LaVoy said the fleet division supports roughly \"a thousand vehicles and rolling stocks\" and includes 20 employees. Key items highlighted in the presentation included a $300,000 professional‑service line increase to update fuel stations (software and hardware) to reduce manual recording and improve quality control, and $250,000 set aside for design of an oil/lube and tire shop to address current overcrowding and future needs. LaVoy described the $300,000 as a one-time cost for software and some hardware at each fuel site.

Other line items noted were a proposed increase in the mechanics' tool allowance (from $12,000 in prior years to $14,400) and planned equipment purchases, including a $350,000 service truck replacement and a $95,000 lift. LaVoy said parts inventory and fuel labor lines were increased to reflect current usage plus a 5% adjustment.

Council members asked whether the fleet fund had considered compensating employees for using personal vehicles rather than maintaining large municipal passenger fleets; LaVoy said he had not formally analyzed that option and would expect it to require a broader policy from administrative staff. No formal action was taken during the presentation; LaVoy and fleet staff said they would return with details if the council wanted further analysis.","Deputy Director Craig LaVoy outlined fleet priorities in the FY26 budget: a $300,000 upgrade to fuel-site hardware/software, $250,000 set aside to design a lube/tire shop expansion and equipment replacements; staff also raised tool allowance and training needs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6245418,"Cheyenne transit budget includes new buses, AI dispatcher and seeks FTA approvals for Westland move",551,1459405,2010590,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586&start=1459&end=2010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586/thumbnail_1459405.jpg","/articles/6245418/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/Cheyenne-transit-budget-includes-new-buses-AI-dispatcher-and-seeks-FTA-approvals-for-Westland-move","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245418-4cb05b54f03754260ab6895a1c53df8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158105&Signature=XjMZ7-M4s6BXSO1D61V9BDaLJZg8oka1TQTqpGDPKgWa-SZJMdcaZwBOER--l9z8svQToKAv4X7gQn27TP1wHxXh6mEodPwc3tt0syXn9fvBtrB04AOfszYKrcScQYfq6qrOAxVV5P2tveEfN2ivLKUC8io1hmbS6Zy61M8k032YrdmJ1mIYK9OVflx~jpllbjPBIE3eqlMTmDDxRqnuy-K9ju8ckhmFEDY0RoE73teXBtYK12PTqx3dgaPiP9pKBd99ipLTRfe0ToyEkRIKl0zJOp6OnfInaVw15mlWatXycNRnLxZDfH8eA0jF8ae9vwy7yndDejHf~eLJnBaWcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Erin Johnson, transit manager, told council that Cheyenne’s public transit operates chiefly on federal, state, county and local grants and requires local match funds to use those grants. \"There is a required 50% match on payroll and operations, and a required 20% match on capital assets, buildings, and buses,\" Nemechek said while describing the transit fund’s match requirements.

Johnson’s slides showed recent fleet additions and operational changes: four new buses are on the road and two more are expected in the summer. The system also added an automated dispatcher branded in the presentation as \"Ryan AI,\" which the director characterized in summary remarks as \"Some people love him, some people hate him,\" and staff said the AI allowed the department to convert one dispatcher position into an additional bus driver.

Johnson told the council the department plans to move operations to 1800 Westland Road and is working with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on a phased renovation. \"We're working with the FTA. That is a challenge. But we're on track to bid phase 2 of the project,\" she said, adding the project will proceed once the FTA confirms available funds. Council members asked for two follow-ups: the per-minute cost or total cost model for Ryan AI and recent ridership figures since the system changed to fare-free service; staff said they would provide those figures after the meeting.

The transit fund presentation also included a line for advertising and a marketing campaign and mentioned replacement of routing software that staff said did not meet expectations. No formal council action was taken during the presentation; staff will supply the requested cost and ridership data as part of the broader budget process.","Transit manager Erin Johnson described FY26 transit funding that relies on federal/state/county grants plus required city match; the system added buses, uses an AI dispatcher (\"Ryan AI\") and is pursuing FTA approvals to renovate 1800 Westland Road.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6245423,"Cheyenne Public Works presents FY26 budget focusing on payroll, vehicle and operating costs",3701,17255,3718349,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586&start=17&end=3718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3226577-4bba6fbc1eab7aadac87d4a334d9d586/thumbnail_17255.jpg","/articles/6245423/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/Cheyenne-Public-Works-presents-FY26-budget-focusing-on-payroll-vehicle-and-operating-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245423-dce5bbb0f5eae84617fbbb040ef105ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158105&Signature=LqOAPC3K~mww1VF6pjjHFBtAyvkC0BwZD0sdUry~41CgMVI~IzDCLEJvP3luDj3c1XlhGak10MvVbTbG2dmfIYFjrW7aWMbrlwdnmy9AcOqju8kp5yh-tdruLFz1gZNbut3YZStbipOlXOQ6aMlTdcSBRaT2com6Yls4~B8TEJfFTlZypsdequh2ca~o9pvyt00wokXF118ObqHSgSliAUpm3mNAn0tkv~L3lyqPRu5ymtnaEfz4SeeJ8DRQhvetK4mQA9IZ43V7rtkATRS3HAk9~jU9mIb6Np5e3rbDgvnkTGC0xVT2KJqF4FJkjkiM28TnMwXUqlqqBcbobiT8WA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works Director Vicky Nemechek presented the department’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to Cheyenne City Council, saying the plan responds to payroll pressures, vehicle operation costs and ongoing operational needs across multiple divisions. \"Public works is a diverse department that provides many services to both internal and external customers,\" Nemechek said during the presentation.

The department described its responsibilities as maintaining city rights-of-way, city-owned facilities and vehicles; collecting and disposing of trash, recycling, yard waste, household hazardous waste and electronic waste; and operating a free public transportation service that includes door-to-door rides for disabled residents. At the start of the presentation Nemechek said the department includes \"76 full time, part time, and seasonal employees.\" Payroll and vehicle operation costs were cited repeatedly as principal drivers of budget changes across divisions.

Managers from multiple divisions — traffic, facilities maintenance, street and alley, fleet, transit and solid waste — described division-specific budget shifts. For example, traffic maintenance will continue using the 1% sales tax (the \"fifth penny\") for many operating items such as striping and paint; facilities maintenance asked to add funds for training, a landfill key-fob system and expanded HVAC contracts; and several divisions noted increases tied to utilities and vehicle operations. Nemechek introduced division leaders by name and briefly summarized accomplishments and priorities for each division.

Council members asked for clarifications on a range of items during the presentation, including how fuel and parts costs decreased in one division, how professional development spending would be tracked against retention, and the number of current vacancies across the department. Nemechek and Deputy Director Craig LaVoy said they would provide follow-up detail where figures were not on hand during the meeting.

The presentation also reiterated that some operational purchases (for example, striping and other public-facing traffic operations) are funded from the city’s 1% sales tax. Council questions and staff answers focused on clarifying the source of specific budget lines and on follow-up data requests rather than on any immediate policy decisions.

The council did not take formal votes during the presentation; staff will provide additional data requested by council members as part of the budget review and adoption process.","Public Works Director Vicky Nemechek outlined the department's proposed fiscal 2026 budget, highlighting payroll and vehicle operation cost increases, divisional staffing, and use of the 1% sales tax for capital and operating items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cheyenne budgets $12.5 million annually from voter-approved fifth‑penny sales tax under Resolution 6248

Cheyenne solid waste budget stresses route optimization, compost expansion and a landfill lifespan estimate of 55–60 years

Cheyenne fleet fund includes $300,000 fuel-system upgrade and $250,000 shop design

Cheyenne transit budget includes new buses, AI dispatcher and seeks FTA approvals for Westland move

Cheyenne Public Works presents FY26 budget focusing on payroll, vehicle and operating costs