Councilman Glass questions legality of stormwater tax implementation

Concerns over the legality of Laramie's stormwater tax took center stage during the City Council meeting on July 15, 2025. Resident Mr. Glass raised alarms about the tax's implementation, questioning whether it was legally imposed without proper voter approval.

Mr. Glass pointed out that state statutes require any funding for a surface water drainage utility to be approved by local voters before it can be collected. He noted that he had not seen this proposition on any ballot, raising doubts about the city's authority to charge residents through their utility bills. "If this came up, if there were a legal challenge to this, the city would have to refund anything that it collects," he warned.

The council acknowledged Mr. Glass's concerns and indicated that the stormwater utility would be reviewed in the following week. They encouraged residents to participate in the discussion, either in person or through the meeting's recording.

As the city prepares to address these issues, the implications of the stormwater tax's legality could have significant financial consequences for both the city and its residents. The council's upcoming review will be crucial in determining the future of this contentious tax.