Rock Springs council authorizes review to rebalance ward populations
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The council directed staff to pursue an ordinance to correct skewed ward populations after a county analysis showed Ward 2 with 8,720 people and Ward 4 with 4,609; the county clerk indicated precinct adjustments could be made by mid-February for the August primary.
The Rock Springs City Council on Dec. 16 voted to proceed with drafting an ordinance to rebalance ward boundaries after a city-county review showed significant population differences among wards.
Mayor Max Mickelson presented an unofficial map and population figures that show Ward 2 at 8,720 people and Ward 4 at 4,609; his packet included a proposed correction to move ward populations toward roughly 25 percent each. The mayor told councilors that in discussions with the county clerk, the clerk indicated she could align precinct boundaries to match any city ordinance changes by mid-February to allow time before the August primary.
Councilor Zotti said Ward 2 has experienced substantial growth and supported moving forward with the ordinance. Councilor Begum said the proposed adjustment for Ward 4 appeared sensible and noted the map’s suggested changes were modest (shift a street or two). Councilor Thompson asked about public workshops and was told the ordinance process will follow the normal three-reading schedule and allow public input.
Councilors voted unanimously to proceed with the proposed ordinance drafting so the council can move forward with formal readings and public feedback. The county clerk’s timeline positions the process to be completed in time for precinct alignment ahead of the next primary if the schedule holds.
Next steps: staff will bring a draft ordinance for first reading and public hearings as required under the city’s ordinance process.