[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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],{"_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",6233233,"mediaKeyId","3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0","parentId",3423972,"title","Sweetwater County approves 11-site campground permit for Jared Triplett with conditions after safety debate","audioSeconds",964,"startMs",964000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0&start=964&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0/thumbnail_964000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6233233/Sweetwater-County/Wyoming/Sweetwater-County-approves-11-site-campground-permit-for-Jared-Triplett-with-conditions-after-safety-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233233-c45ccf5b19f6a525c782a2284d0f6de8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122375&Signature=IkA~C1Jt-V~tbPI8xmpiuVlI17KzGkKc-92QspO2xLohthopBd~wrFtfl7dT~8zc7JxCR5mLZNp~NooUUEwlMvaR65aWE56Ug4GuXRenD~fgt7wyogRhDEbUE-mE1qey8I2b-8cW7creCwkfPbHTqjd3rsnPgQTDTDwdQWwpJ64olgn43EG-0k5PXXML1uBNCPRgddpXCtlXAV0rV1HHCUhMzqFJGwSdQowdmeScZt-cIR8Yr1SViWxwFv8Ad5KSzg8-grHi6gxKgZtsLkL2ShGnrVeeNLVlzu5Ur79BgkIPOkgQXnH0NThT3fBMX-Ay7vRWNWeO19B1tqqtfDMRpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-20T23:32:19Z","article","Sweetwater County commissioners on May 20 approved a conditional use permit allowing a proposed 11-site campground on private land owned by Jared Triplett, but added conditions and restrictions after public safety and nuisance concerns from neighbors.

Planning staff told the board the proposal was for an 11-space campground in an agricultural zone near County Road 1 (McKinnon Road) and U.S. Highway 414; sites would rely on a septic holding tank, a private well, and power from Bridger Valley Electric, and the applicant planned an on-site administrative building and electric pedestals at each site. County planner Cassidy Brown said staff found the application met zoning resolution provisions and the county comprehensive plan’s goals for regulated outdoor recreation, but identified potential impacts for nearby residents and agency concerns that warranted conditions.

The board heard about both a petition of support submitted by the applicant and a community petition opposing the project. Neighbors raised repeated concerns about fire risk (noting strong local winds and nearby dry brush), vehicle and pedestrian safety at a nearby school-bus pickup location, trash and sanitation, noise and generator use, long-term occupancy that could become workforce housing, and limited local law-enforcement and fire response. Under Sheriff Joseph Tomich told staff the sheriff’s office would assume primary jurisdiction for the unincorporated area but that there are no resident deputies stationed at McKinnon; he also noted campgrounds and dispersed camping sites typically generate additional calls to law enforcement based on experience with BLM and USFS campgrounds.

Applicant Jared Triplett addressed concerns at the hearing, describing plans for raised, ringed fire pits, a nearby water source for fire suppression, an on-site dumpster with scheduled removal, quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., limiting stays to 28 consecutive calendar days (he said he would post a reservation calendar online to reduce loopholes), and a ban on fireworks. Triplett said the campground was intended to be seasonal and aimed at recreational visitors rather than housing a temporary workforce.

Planning and zoning staff summarized public and agency comments and presented recommended conditions the P&Z commission had forwarded to the board. P&Z recommended approval with conditions including: WDEQ approval and installation of the septic holding tank before occupancy; electric pedestals at each campsite; the permit be personal to the applicant and follow the submitted site plan; county right-of-way not be encroached; and a maximum 28-day stay in any calendar month. Staff noted additional conditions discussed by P&Z (not part of the P&Z motion) included an on-site covered dumpster, perimeter privacy fencing, and a seasonal operation window.

Commission debate focused on the 28-day stay limit and whether the language allowed a loophole enabling continuous occupancy across calendar months. Commissioners proposed alternatives (for example, 16 days in any 60-day period or 21 noncontiguous days) to close that loophole; Triplett opposed stricter limits, saying longer stays are critical to making the seasonal business viable. Commissioners also discussed tying open-fire use to BLM fire restrictions and using fire-retardant materials for perimeter fencing; Triplett agreed to a fireworks prohibition and said he would provide enclosed fire rings and on-site water sources.

Commissioner Slaughter moved approval with edits: remove the strict seasonal/dates and the original 28-day wording, require the perimeter fence to use fire-resistant materials or treatment, require the operator to observe BLM or other fire restrictions when issued, and prohibit fireworks; Commissioner Richards seconded. Commissioner Tillman cast the lone “no” vote, citing landowner concerns. The motion passed 4–1. The board’s approval included the P&Z-recommended conditions and the additional fire- and fireworks-related safeguards discussed at the hearing.

What the permit requires: the applicant must obtain WDEQ approval for the septic holding tank and construct it before occupancy, install electrical pedestals at each campsite, keep the operation personal to the property owner and the approved site plan, avoid encroaching the county right of way, and operate under the stay and fire-use conditions the commission approved. If the applicant proposes changes to the site plan, those changes must be reviewed by land use staff before they are implemented.

Why it matters: the hearing highlighted tension common in rural counties between small-scale tourism/economic development and neighbors’ concerns about safety, emergency-response capacity, noise and nuisance, and long-term land-use impacts. Commissioners left a mixture of operational requirements and fire-safety conditions intended to limit public-safety risk while allowing the landowner to pursue a seasonal campground business.

The board’s full motion and the list of final permit conditions are part of the meeting record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-05-20 REGULAR SWEETWATER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING","oneSentenceSummary","Sweetwater County commissioners on May 20 approved a conditional use permit for an 11-site campground on land owned by Jared Triplett after a contested hearing that produced neighbors’ safety concerns and a majority vote attaching conditions addressing septic and well permits, electric pedestals, stay limits, waste disposal, fencing and fire restrictions.","taxTitle","Sweetwater County, Wyoming","taxId",28116,"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},6233219,"Rocky Mountain Power updates Sweetwater County on Gateway projects and forthcoming rate changes",666,9062000,9728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0&start=9062&end=9728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0/thumbnail_9062000.jpg","/articles/6233219/Sweetwater-County/Wyoming/Rocky-Mountain-Power-updates-Sweetwater-County-on-Gateway-projects-and-forthcoming-rate-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233219-3f3092d75806661386ee74dfae95d20a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122375&Signature=TLVrBxcSfC6ebbbFTIKGozcB9vhgRjKVhaxkB5qsjGAGuwfr7yDxZECDPuAjzzfG0PU2XIQIwlFm2Tp~~bjVpkqAvBffMoC2k8W5TRUZ1cMdQX~dCL8YKBtvRysOwkoLV-APAelGf1Dp-DAhaiOpTwbGPEyq6F0HUE9yD8Ptv1T~s~ELsQubFbmc4GnREIHR3DNEHLc1qR9XuZrFKvz-0Gsqu0FDaCbjelC6xG8iEAl3WgwTtVBDIaHY4GyHe0OxdWJiDE5CDDeIoFkq4fYmcGGMNT9ZycqcVdR~rBJlk4V3XvIWzA4rLAE8mCshug6eICePP2sBQHpy05lPfJREnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from PacifiCorp/Rocky Mountain Power updated the Sweetwater County commissioners on long‑range transmission projects and near‑term retail rates during the May 20 meeting.

PacifiCorp representatives said Gateway South (a 500 kV transmission project) was placed into service late in 2024 and that reclamation and final monitoring work remain. They described two major Wyoming transmission initiatives under planning and permitting: the Anticline–Shirley Basin 500 kV project (approx. 152 miles, entirely in Wyoming, with routing and NEPA work ongoing) and Gateway West D‑3 (a segment of the larger Gateway West corridor). Anticline–Shirley Basin remains in environmental permitting (NEPA) and will require more routing field work; PacifiCorp stressed that the federal land/BLM process and the governor’s energy corridors (and associated sage‑grouse concerns) will shape the final route and timing.

On retail rates, PacifiCorp staff told commissioners the company will file an increase effective June 1 that amounts to an average general rate increase of about 10.2 percent; a separate energy‑cost adjustment mechanism (ECAM) to be applied on July 1 is expected to reduce rates by roughly 5.8 percent for a net increase in the company’s filing of about 5 percent in the near term. Commissioners asked whether the grid has capacity for potential large new loads (data centers, large industrial projects) and were told the company believes it can meet organic growth but is updating plans to address larger “spikes” of demand; PacifiCorp said planning for transmission and generation to serve heavy new loads can take years and depends on permitting and infrastructure investments.

PacifiCorp also touched briefly on generation changes (conversion of some coal units to gas in the long term) and the company’s renewable portfolio; the company recommended local engagement with permitting and routing as projects proceed and emphasized permitting windows and environmental constraints would determine construction timing.

Why it matters: new high‑voltage transmission lines can enable renewable generation integration but require lengthy permitting and raise land‑use and wildlife considerations. The rate changes are likely to affect local consumers and businesses and were described as part of PacifiCorp’s routine filings and the annual ECAM adjustment.","Rocky Mountain Power told commissioners the Gateway South project is in service and Gateway West segments remain in permitting, described the Anticline–Shirley Basin transmission proposal and timelines, and said a companywide rate filing will raise general rates June 1 before a partial offset from the annual energy-cost adjustment on July 1.",{"_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},6233223,"Commissioners authorize county to operate treatment court program; HR to draft contracts and hire coordinator",2127,15329000,17456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0&start=15329&end=17456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0/thumbnail_15329000.jpg","/articles/6233223/Sweetwater-County/Wyoming/Commissioners-authorize-county-to-operate-treatment-court-program-HR-to-draft-contracts-and-hire-coordinator","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233223-e92a490e599f36bf1c52e6bcf2b1ff69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122375&Signature=gaOk4G3KGiIhGyiEXiqZSNg6bmt7JopyAzCN9gjZqXGqRK8aP9rSAjjDDWC7EGCXV72WwftdsmiAefxDNp-LJav2oI1z7BEusrXMVuT7EnL1KkEEU7eKqb-gzBFlxsHBMm7NjNDhv6WwGcwXektOBP3IRVYlIsF6M2S5jV~bQmWDMUN2jaKjBq~0kpYV6xiwWzwpwjTUkNE5prcCCPALq99CV~WmO4dLocUxF17Gnb3IwOH7t~My5hvte5T0UUpbXyaTwtQsYoBxyC1V8ytp6layqEM8Qa93mnnl2mC9PN0vyexNIv6SepNogX~PrkvXkraetWhQ8AiND0nfEfRa1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 authorized a transition to bring the county’s judicially‑supervised treatment court program under county administration and directed the county HR director to prepare a contract amendment with the Wyoming Judicial Branch and an at‑will employment agreement for a treatment court coordinator.

County attorney staff and the county judge presented the proposal after review of the program’s funding, which is allocated by the Wyoming Supreme Court for treatment‑court grants. The program pairs judicial supervision, substance‑use treatment, testing and case management for high‑risk, high‑needs participants who otherwise cycle through jails and hospitals; its goals include lowering recidivism and improving participants’ recovery and mental‑health stability.

County attorney staff explained the program has dedicated grant funding for the current biennium. Moving administrative control of the program under the county would eliminate duplicated administrative costs (audits, separate purchasing and insurance) that a small voluntary foundation now handles and would place the program under county processes (personnel, accounts, legal support) without additional county general‑fund expense during the funded period. Chief stakeholders at the meeting included Judge Prokos, county attorney representatives, treatment‑court coordinator Kayla Capers and program partner Southwest Counseling.

Commissioners debated implementation details including whether to retain the existing volunteer/foundation board as the program transitions; staff recommended leaving the board in place temporarily to receive gifts and donations the county cannot accept directly and to provide continuity during the change. Commissioners also discussed how the program’s state grant funding is disbursed and that the county would administer the position on a term tied to funding — an at‑will appointment that ends if grant funding ceases.

Commissioner Slaughter moved and Commissioner Richards seconded a motion directing HR to prepare: (1) an amendment to the contract with the Wyoming Judicial Branch to move program administration to Sweetwater County, and (2) an at‑will employment contract for the program coordinator that will be brought back to the commission for formal approval prior to execution. The motion passed unanimously.

Why this matters: treatment courts are evidence‑based alternatives for people with substance‑use disorders who repeatedly interface with criminal justice; consolidating finance, personnel and procurement under the county aims to reduce administrative overhead and improve accountability while preserving grant‑funded program operations.","After presentations from county attorney staff and treatment-court partners, commissioners agreed to move the court-supervised treatment program under county administration for the current funded biennium and authorized HR to prepare a contract with the Wyoming Judicial Branch and an at‑will employment agreement for a program coordinator.",{"_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},6233228,"Sweetwater County commissioners face roughly $8.5 million shortfall; staff and commissioners weigh cuts, reserve use and capital deferrals",7955,11180000,19135000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0&start=11180&end=19135","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423972-9108f1791557ce50390b7bf0f14531c0/thumbnail_11180000.jpg","/articles/6233228/Sweetwater-County/Wyoming/Sweetwater-County-commissioners-face-roughly-85-million-shortfall-staff-and-commissioners-weigh-cuts-reserve-use-and-capital-deferrals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233228-ac85670a644153204f4d7ed00d5c8022/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122375&Signature=Zbj~VFb81QD~LmuJ4vDjC2Qg4Eu1h-DIpZXizDzHM9BOENSssm0DiliTSaRkXgB4gk02Osy5s8S6Pw7ahWFNEgDKwroAGaxJsiXONS7VUoPZR0heZgih0HlXEn9S0iyw-e5nrybqqjlZPVh8SpAQfkeXcyV5oIdzRFGXqJSE7ca4mkGKnUhiaKYU1MVPa40~wtdU~EL~4M9PuGTbgPDowNKVX1bh0C4XU-qYRuow5RVOUS1yxRfb063DDK-8z7H1kltE1EgckNd4c2uo06hErE-nOAVSMM~J4N2IR2SNQJ3P5o~zIbsax20Yl9nd3gguDJLztozq2neRP1WdnhWjTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sweetwater County commissioners spent much of a May 20 workshop confronting a projected multi‑million‑dollar shortfall for fiscal 2026 and weighing options that included significant reductions to outside agencies, deferring capital projects, and limited use of county reserves and other restricted funds.

Rebecca Merrell (accounting specialist) presented updated budget numbers that showed a decrease in projected revenues and changes in planned expenditures and carryover. Commissioners and staff described a roughly $8.1–$8.5 million gap compared with currently proposed spending levels; participants emphasized that the figure could change as final valuation and revenue numbers arrive and as specific capital encumbrances are reconciled. Commissioners noted the shortfall reflects lower property valuations, changes to state property tax relief and other one-time/ongoing revenue shifts discussed during the legislature’s recent session.

Options discussed at length included:
- Reducing or phasing out funding for nonstatutory outside agencies and nonprofits. Commissioners debated whether to cut organizations entirely or reduce them by fixed percentages (examples raised: 10–50% reductions, with some commissioners proposing complete defunding of a few small agencies). Several agencies mentioned in the discussion: Boys & Girls Club, Climb Wyoming, Family Resource Center, VIRS, Golden Hour senior center, Young at Heart senior center, Star Transit, youth home, conservation district and others. Commissioners noted some agencies have reserve balances while others provide essential services to vulnerable residents.
- Deferring or canceling capital projects. Commissioners reviewed the capital ranking prepared by a capital committee. Proposed deferrals included lower‑priority county capital items and some component-unit projects (museum façade, event‑complex projects). Multiple commissioners suggested more aggressive capital reductions are the fastest way to reduce the gap.
- Using restricted or special funds. Commissioners discussed using targeted reserves: an Impact Assistance fund (roughly $2.5 million), ARPA PILT (public lands) funds received under the American Rescue Plan, and existing carryover for one-time projects. One commissioner proposed funding a previously promised hospital lab project from reserves (rather than operating funds), which would reduce the operating gap substantially but would draw on reserve balances.
- Reassessing personnel/FTE funding for positions that remain vacant. Commissioners reviewed carryover and unfilled positions in departments (sheriff/detention and county attorney’s offices in particular) and considered delaying or pausing automatic budgeted funding for vacant positions until hiring prospects are clearer.

Commissioners described a multi-step plan: (1) ask outside agencies to submit revised requests and searches for alternative funding, (2) prioritize county core and component capital using the capital committee ranking, and (3) consider limited use of specific reserve/capital funds for one-time obligations rather than recurring operating costs. Several commissioners favored a mix of actions rather than relying solely on reserves.

Next steps and schedule: the board agreed to hold one more dedicated budget workshop (proposed afternoon of June 3) so staff can produce revised numbers, and to meet the legal deadlines for the required public notices and hearings in mid‑June. Commissioners directed staff to follow up with outside agencies promptly so those organizations can plan for revised funding levels.

Why it matters: the decisions will determine which programs county government can continue funding, whether capital projects will be deferred, and how many vacant positions are not filled during a difficult budget year. The board prioritized preserving statutory services but acknowledged that choices will be required on discretionary and community grants.","At a May 20 budget workshop commissioners discussed an estimated $8–8.6 million fiscal gap driven by falling valuations and state property tax relief. Staff and commissioners debated cuts to outside agencies, delaying capital projects, using reserves and ARPA/PILT funds, and pausing certain FTE commitments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sweetwater County approves 11-site campground permit for Jared Triplett with conditions after safety debate

Rocky Mountain Power updates Sweetwater County on Gateway projects and forthcoming rate changes

Commissioners authorize county to operate treatment court program; HR to draft contracts and hire coordinator

Sweetwater County commissioners face roughly $8.5 million shortfall; staff and commissioners weigh cuts, reserve use and capital deferrals