Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Pest Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council confirms special assessments for spongy moth suppression and approves aerial spraying contract
Summary
Council confirmed special assessment rules for the 2025 spongy moth suppression program and authorized a contract with Hamilton Helicopters for aerial spraying. Two council members said they would vote against the assessment and one councilor argued the program should be funded from the general fund.
Wyoming — The Wyoming City Council on Monday confirmed special assessment rules for the 2025 spongy moth suppression program and authorized an aerial insecticide spraying contract to treat affected properties.
Council confirmed special assessment Rule 25-821 and Rule 25-822 for the spongy moth (spongy moth) suppression program. Under the confirmed rule, parcels of one-half acre or less that receive treatment will be assessed $30 per parcel; parcels larger than one-half acre will be assessed roughly $93–$94 per treated acre, the city reported.
City staff estimated the city’s share of the program this year at about $38,000; staff said the total area to be treated was about 399 acres for which the contractor bid at $74.60 per acre, producing a contract amount of approximately $29,765.
“This year is about $38,000,” a city staff member said. “Last year the total cost was about $35,000. Two years ago it was about $60,000; prior years have varied as high as $225,000.”
Council then approved an agreement with Hamilton Helicopters to conduct aerial spraying at $74.60 per acre (approximately $29,765 based on current acreage estimates). The motion to accept the proposal and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement passed on a roll call with all members recorded as voting yes.
Several council members said they opposed special assessments for this program and said they preferred the city fund the spraying from the general fund. One council member said they would vote against the assessment; another council member said they would join that vote.
“I still believe it’s something that we should be paying out of the general fund for all of our residents, and I will be voting against it tonight for that reason,” one council member said during discussion. Another member echoed that position.
Despite those objections the assessment confirmation and the spraying contract were approved. Council members said the treated areas and watering/inspection recommendations are set each year by a consultant who inspects properties and recommends where treatment is needed.
Why it matters: The assessment spreads the cost to benefiting properties rather than relying solely on the city’s general fund. The program’s annual cost has fluctuated widely in recent years, and some council members argued the program addresses a broad public-benefit pest control need that should be paid for by the city.
What’s next: Property owners in treated areas will receive the special assessment listed on their tax roll as provided by the confirmed rule; the city will execute the aerial spraying contract and coordinate treatment dates with the contractor and property notification protocols.
