Sheridan County approves emergency manager's attendance at Wyoming Ready Conference; budget amendment may be required

The Sheridan County Board approved Emergency Management Coordinator Jesse's request to attend the Wyoming Ready Conference in Casper, scheduled Oct. 22—6, after commissioners heard that the event brings state, federal and regional partners together for winter planning, legislative updates and some classified briefings.

Jesse said the state pays for lodging and some meals while the county would cover fuel and remaining per diem costs. "This is October 22 through the 24th. It's gonna be in Casper," he said, and described the semi-annual meeting as an opportunity for county emergency managers to coordinate on seasonal response and to receive grant and legislative briefings.

The board discussed whether other county agencies would attend. Jesse said the fire department typically participates and that some briefings are limited to emergency managers. Commissioner Haswell moved to approve the travel; the motion was seconded and the chair called a voice vote. Ayes were recorded and the motion passed by voice.

Sheriff Levi Dominguez told commissioners his office would not allocate lodging or travel from the sheriff's budget. "Historically, we've never attended these conferences, and I'm not going to spend money out of my budget to send folks down," he said.

Commissioners noted that part of the EMPG grant the county accepted included funding for attendance and that the county should report back to other departments on relevant conference updates. It was also emphasized that if county costs exceed available grant funds, a budget amendment would be required before additional travel expenditures.

The board did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript; approval was recorded by voice vote. Jesse said he normally reports back to the commissioners on important items from the conference.