[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6054976,"mediaKeyId","3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c","parentId",3325988,"title","City presents third budget amendment; staff flags $2 million net increase and major capital items","audioSeconds",1604,"startMs",5561000,"endMs",7165000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c&start=5561&end=7165","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c/thumbnail_5561000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6054976/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/City-presents-third-budget-amendment-staff-flags-2-million-net-increase-and-major-capital-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6054976-d03c063ef26b6f49568288066dd478e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196243&Signature=LK37nqj1gCJdRUS4pYCqeddKU10x-igVRy2OA6v0CiaujrjdcyLWDRKsM8sIFfcExHFzpCFIc0y9CAY0qfXAHHGh-kKUU2CTWzGCWmRGE~qwnNvlchDJUFsIBI8vhFQqJvyga6CcZRcEmoz8mOQFAyh3JAW5XggfuDDGCpEzWSggpVFnNd9OcfGPkLrVXK3Fgf6TPKmoyq4bLU0DD~t6-F8lrOwc9AVkZpVHf0RJRCE3Wc0IRT5BkRGEpakKuF0egCAoAh0cx3xTIPkztGxgzAKf8bsiGlxooW~8aNODJ50GbAJg0zzq-8IYe6bHb2GUBT9izTGGaIW-Kn8BReqOLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-14T13:05:26Z","article","City finance staff briefed the Casper City Council on Budget Amendment 3, an end-of-year package that adds expenses and aligns spending authority with developments during the fiscal year.

Accounting supervisor Nicholas (presented material assembled by staff) said the amendment increases expenses by about $5.2 million and includes roughly $3.2 million in offsetting revenues and reimbursements, producing an overall net increase to the budget of about $2.0 million. Staff described several large items driving the changes.

The single largest addition is approximately $2.0 million to transfer and hang water and sewer lines onto the new city-owned pedestrian bridge so those utilities are no longer attached to the state-owned Poplar Street (WyDOT) bridge; staff said that will come from water utility fund balances. Risk-management costs also increased (roughly $880,000 in added expenses), driven in part by higher insurance premiums and a significant playground liability claim; staff said they expect about $480,000 of reimbursements or grant/insurance recoveries for that category.

Staff explained active wildland-fire deployments by Casper firefighters generate reimbursable costs (state or other agencies reimburse deployment costs) and therefore produce offsetting revenue. Budget Amendment 3 also incorporates salary changes that took effect in January, records five newly awarded grants (mostly public-safety-related) and removes one grant the federal government rescinded (the Branches Across America/Arbor Day grant).

Council members asked questions about specific funds (solid waste/landfill LRP credits and the Bailfell/solid-waste fund). Staff said some items are “lumpy” — for example, landfill remediation and tipping fees — and offered to provide a follow-up memo on those line items. Councilors agreed to place the amendment on the upcoming agenda for formal consideration; staff said the amendment will appear on the next meeting agenda and that council may pull items for discussion if desired.

Staff emphasized the water fund has sufficient reserves to absorb the bridge‑utility transfer without immediate rate impacts and argued acting now avoids higher future costs and operational complications when the state replaces the Poplar Street bridge years from now.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Casper | May 13th, 2025 | City Council Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","City finance staff told the council Budget Amendment 3 would add roughly $5.2 million in expenses, offset in part by about $3.2 million in new revenues and reimbursements, for a net increase to the budget of about $2.0 million.","taxTitle","Casper, Natrona, Wyoming","taxId",3791,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6054981,"City launches priority-based budgeting questionnaire, aims for broad public input",1802,3692000,5494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c&start=3692&end=5494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c/thumbnail_3692000.jpg","/articles/6054981/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/City-launches-priority-based-budgeting-questionnaire-aims-for-broad-public-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6054981-fc6c150ca6f129cd841225bb3296e62f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196243&Signature=LZ1Pg0eS6Qe~fFXXUmpTGfd2tYRz~MNLNQ8SPny3~KMn4m7AigdyT5iLJ41~FrczjGiTsn9UCQIL44Qxouk2C1aCENHVUATAYCrMQm8Gf4hF-1MI7IA7gY-LvbRndFvG7I~6rCHRHHZK03ZU-7QbBhlzNJ-tqqCnQR9ztY6ZMYp45hnPympPnwxnZSejN3NxSrZxAAvU8CTDxKgMlaSVv5gN8GFJNmUXkcyqgd4JZHnlufjc4ekZsS9mVKEAc485wtdGW1ZV9t~9BtMEfl27S6FdGSbm-Zro-Ug8gqBLR~d7~9T74S8cSPnqBcF-D883dgnxz9mGCiQdgDEbCdYjLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a priority-based budgeting public-engagement plan that will ask residents to rate council-identified priorities in a questionnaire and provide optional qualitative feedback to help inform budget-setting over time.

Tom Brower and public engagement designer Corey Cronin walked council through an online questionnaire that mirrors the council’s priority matrix in simplified language and includes demographic questions; staff intend to geofence responses so only city residents can participate.

Corey Cronin said the plan is to promote the questionnaire via press releases, social media and targeted outreach and to keep it open about three to four weeks; public-engagement staff expect to push the questionnaire live immediately if council decides. Cronin added the team will aim for a minimum of 100 responses as an initial benchmark and can extend the window if needed.

Councilors gave detailed feedback on the draft questionnaire’s wording and structure — requesting a numbered list that would allow respondents to reference specific goals in open-ended feedback and suggesting a short open-comment box at the end. Some councilors expressed concern about length; staff noted that respondents can complete the form quickly or provide more extensive comments, and staff will monitor response rates and adjust outreach accordingly.

Staff cautioned that usable results are unlikely to be ready for the council’s budget work session on June 27 and June 28; they advised treating the questionnaire as an ongoing input mechanism and reconvening the task force afterward to reconcile public responses with council priorities.

Council broadly supported moving forward with the questionnaire and agreed to assist with outreach via social media and staff channels; staff said employee participation will be tracked separately so internal responses can be identified in the analysis.","Staff presented a citywide questionnaire tied to council’s priority matrix to gather resident input on budgeting priorities; plan includes geofencing to city residents, a 3–4 week outreach window and an initial response target of at least 100 submissions.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6054983,"City moves ahead with Marion Criner pool renovation, skate park and master plan for North Casper athletic complex",1142,2978000,4120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c&start=2978&end=4120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c/thumbnail_2978000.jpg","/articles/6054983/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/City-moves-ahead-with-Marion-Criner-pool-renovation-skate-park-and-master-plan-for-North-Casper-athletic-complex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6054983-539141f1772e00922d6f73c7dd4322e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196243&Signature=IVSFj8Bq9qgfffm3dPrY7wSoR~KdHGGNoKhVRdHviY8rs~ZQo-v9joHDO-GZLHhoIeQ88ij13MBAGmyYhnPKHmM60Hg~acK3sqZ4GMFrQNhOmUytGJVQDS74W5G1dAOa5bDymoNu4wDaze5UG5Y8JzzorrTHCNzf0g1CySVEOycI7pv~g2RyUIsBVjRh0hTXaJJQMO9i27iS15WXk2id0PyK9gMSGK7dEwDGeviFPZnCmEizVh7VT0sDvScbXdprp9DiR295K96oOSEPg088QWlRqjrNbOMNNVus4WbD3M8~1o~dJt-g4gHF0MFWvkfhvI3TaEIPIFkvurN72c4Uqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks staff told the Casper City Council they will close the Marion Criner pool for the coming season so crews can replace the pool’s filtration system, boiler and other mechanical components and renovate the 1960s-era pool building; staff said the splash pad will remain open while construction does not create safety risks.

“Because we're gonna be looking at those mechanical components, it's much better to have it pulled down, and close for the season so that we can get in there, get those repairs done, and then start the renovation on the actual building itself,” Parks Director Zulema said, adding that the splash pad hours would be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. while it remains open.

Staff said American Ramp Company is under contract to install skate-park components and that a separate contract was awarded for the skate-park concrete work; the pump track will sit north of the skate park, all on the Marion Criner park site north of the pool and south of Matt Canfield Park. The parks presentation noted some playground removal and site cleanup already done as in-kind match.

For the broader North Casper Athletic Complex, staff reported a $2.8 million award through the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Grant Program to fund improvements but said that amount will not cover all needs across the complex. The city contracted CEPI with RDG planning and design as a subconsultant to produce a master plan; staff said they will prioritize near-term investments (lighting at Taney Fields, bathroom/concession replacements, dugout replacements, backstop and safety-net work at Field of Dreams, and surfacing at Wells Park) based on that plan.

Councilors asked about communications to North Casper residents; staff said the public engagement team would push notices via social media and point-of-sale records, and they can use targeted outreach to neighborhood residents. Councilors also asked about timing for July 4 events; staff said some construction might still be underway but major recreational amenities at Matt Canfield Park would remain available.

Staff did not request a formal council vote at the briefing; they provided project status, timelines and next steps, and asked councilors to direct further questions to Parks staff if needed.","City staff reported plans to close Marion Criner pool for this season to replace mechanical systems and renovate the pool building, continue the splash pad if safe, award contracts for a skate park and pump track, and begin a master plan to prioritize $2.8 million in North Casper athletic complex improvements.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6054986,"Casper council gives staff go-ahead to apply for TAP grant for South Side river pathway",489,2475000,2964000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c&start=2475&end=2964","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c/thumbnail_2475000.jpg","/articles/6054986/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/Casper-council-gives-staff-go-ahead-to-apply-for-TAP-grant-for-South-Side-river-pathway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6054986-c4472e39e7d123e6c6422d76b95b784d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196243&Signature=NBEnejfQTKs8JjXbFFBKJO1rMxPV7MZec1hyuujYMv~z6S~XKBSFRe8Us~YfIo6nfVLBSx4UvKtvgBygQx-KZQb7frF1eu0z6XxJ20QhpnouOT3~B1GtzFMvAlyLF7eU6nFgs~gJRxuuFMd8ukZq5maiKyOxnE7OX-myrzRgbumHBKS0MEbj31ofHn6IooAlI8ZakGKaQqiiTQsWpoSmJ09c1cGt8qyDIPlDYDEPUwzD2F7ZolTPXVMu8t8H7WCkNwDYdTdHoqUW9IrZfO-K-R74wsfL3SyxjPn~lKmhjqTqMwFkRRT9LgnrwgTUS5E-h4umxLv5DVOL09PXJMN~tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Carter told the Casper City Council the city intends to pursue a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to fund pedestrian-pathway improvements on the south side of the North Platte River, including an ADA-accessible overlook and connection from a recently funded pedestrian bridge to First Street.

Tom Brower, the city’s engineering lead on the project, said the total project cost is roughly $550,000 and that TAP grants are competitive but favorable for projects that improve safe pedestrian routes; TAP requires that a project be designed before application and typically carries a 10% local match.

“We'd like to get your permission to complete the application,” Tom Brower said. He noted the grant deadline around June 27 and that the city’s match would be about $57,000 in reserves if awarded. Brower said some easement work and landowner relationship steps remain even if the grant is successful.

Councilors asked whether the previously funded Poplar Street bridge work and the $4 million bridge project would affect this pathway; staff explained the bridge project and the pathway application are related in the corridor, and earlier bridge design funding rolls into the city match where applicable. Brower also said Wyoming Department of Transportation officials do not plan a Poplar Street bridge replacement in the near term (the estimate discussed was 10–14 years), which informs the city’s decision to advance a separate pedestrian bridge and pathway now.

Council consensus authorized staff to finish and submit the TAP application and proceed with the public-engagement and design steps required for the grant application. Council did not take a formal vote at the meeting; staff recorded direction to proceed.","City staff will complete a Transportation Alternatives Program application to fund a roughly $550,000 pathway and ADA overlook on the south side of the North Platte River; the city would provide about a 10% match and still needs easements and landowner agreements.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6054987,"Casper municipal judges outline court procedures, 12-hour hold policy and probation options",1052,1043000,2095000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c&start=1043&end=2095","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325988-5142182c53a9a285ee56272ee8f6325c/thumbnail_1043000.jpg","/articles/6054987/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/Casper-municipal-judges-outline-court-procedures-12-hour-hold-policy-and-probation-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6054987-b9c28ae3a35614dd5d572c6b526cc949/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196243&Signature=M9WPCAn8Po-eRa0-4dE81v2RiKLhU6o-laZVuNsuYTiiLSppDeXyN9Pc5o~a0EDyVY3RDoBoBCMy9Aslv87PaqOBDKIiigrvRBYrl19vUHFUErApD9fsTj8p9-iFqKJT--~ybZ0puKpguyHEQk3O1Tep6-Y1qqtHhFuIewNHrQB3nyhlwJ1X9U6Yy6zTX6f8nZjMMxGN~Tm9-qQ1f6b49ytQHxagk1UWNiVXz3G0XIg1f7cwAXpb7KOl3CeM788VDpIK4lMdokJjQjpkISAEqHrkKJjHE0-6DEmI~kA2Wiq9gEShXqzJJmdFYsMxqSzdBFCWYL7RWxlQTwF3FQwVNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Municipal Court Judge Hand told the Casper City Council that municipal court in Casper handles violations of city ordinances and state statutes adopted into the city code and stressed the court’s limited jurisdiction compared with district courts.

“The only cases that we have in the municipal court are violations of the city ordinances and state statutes that have been adopted by the city code,” Municipal Court Judge Hand said, explaining how cases typically start with citations or arrests and how arraignments work.

The judges explained common case entry points: citations issued by law enforcement (some allowing payment in lieu of appearance), arrests or warrants, and affidavits filed by officers. If a new arrest occurs, Wyoming rules require a probable-cause determination within 72 hours unless the person was arrested on a warrant.

Judge Hand described the court’s reinstated 12-hour hold-and-release practice: “we now have we've kind of reinstated the 12 hour hold and release rule that allows most people that are arrested to be released essentially on their own recognizance without posting a bond after they've served 12 hours or until they have sobered up.” He said that in-custody hearings are typically held Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at about 8:15 a.m.

On pleas and sentencing, the judges said guilty and no-contest pleas usually result in conviction and immediate sentencing (fine, probation or jail), while not-guilty pleas lead to bench or jury trial scheduling. They noted the court can offer supervised probation and has a court-appointed attorney process for indigent defendants when the offense is jailable.

City Attorney Eric clarified the city attorney’s role: his office represents the city as prosecutor and is ethically restricted in advising judges or discussing specific pending cases. The judges and mayor emphasized that appeals are to the district court and must be filed within 30 days; appeals are limited to the trial record, not new evidence.

Council members asked for clarifications on bonds and conditions. The judges and city attorney explained the purposes of bonds (assure appearance, protect public safety), typical conditions (no contact orders, sobriety monitoring for DUI cases, random testing), and the distinctions among OR (own recognizance), cash and surety bonds.

The presentation was informational; councilors asked procedural questions and received clarifications about scheduling, bond conditions, probation supervision and appeal processes. No formal action was taken at the meeting.","Municipal court judges briefed the Casper City Council on how cases move through municipal court, explaining arraignments, pleas, bond conditions, the reinstated 12-hour hold-and-release practice and probation supervision.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City presents third budget amendment; staff flags $2 million net increase and major capital items

City launches priority-based budgeting questionnaire, aims for broad public input

City moves ahead with Marion Criner pool renovation, skate park and master plan for North Casper athletic complex

Casper council gives staff go-ahead to apply for TAP grant for South Side river pathway

Casper municipal judges outline court procedures, 12-hour hold policy and probation options