Laramie pauses stormwater utility implementation; reconsideration runs through June 30, 2026

At its Dec. 9 work session the Laramie City Council heard City Manager Jordan say the council previously decided in August to pause implementation of the stormwater management business plan and allow additional time for reconsideration. "The council did determine in August to pause implementation of that business plan and allow some additional time for reconsideration," Jordan said, adding that the reconsideration period lasts through the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Jordan emphasized that several infrastructure milestones—most directly the development of financial models and paving standards for unpaved roads in West Laramie—depend to some degree on decisions about the stormwater utility. "West Laramie needs drainage in order for pavement to be laid," she said, explaining why West Laramie paving work and the stormwater utility are linked.

Rates and next steps: Jordan said staff had tabled work to update user rates and fees while the stormwater issue is reconsidered; financial plans are roughly 90% complete and staff plan to return in early 2026, likely coinciding with the budget adoption, with rate recommendations to support the capital plan.

Councilors pressed for more information: Vice Mayor Richardson and Councilor Fried both raised concerns about dependence on the stormwater fee for several planned infrastructure items and urged staff to return with clear numbers. Jordan pledged to bring staff recommendations back in the new year.

What’s next: Reconsideration of the business plan continues through June 30, 2026; related items such as West Laramie paving standards and user‑fee adjustments are on hold until staff and council resume work in early 2026.