Cheyenne council repeals stormwater fee in split vote after public warnings about flood risk
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Summary
The City Council voted to repeal the local stormwater user fee on third reading, a move framed as a temporary compromise while the Legislature reviews options; the decision followed a packed public comment period and a split council debate over funding, fairness and flood-safety obligations.
The Cheyenne City Council approved an ordinance repealing the municipal stormwater user fee on third and final reading on March 23, after more than an hour of public comment and council debate.
Mayor Mary Collins said the repeal is intended as a temporary step while lawmakers at the state level study stormwater funding during the interim. "It was a compromise to give us some time to try to work with them," she said.
Resident Richard Johnson, speaking during the public hearing, urged the council not to rely on the Legislature and argued the fee had been created to protect residents and property from flood risk. "I don't trust the legislature," Johnson said, and warned that delaying local revenue would leave the city exposed to future flood damage.
Council discussion split along lines of urgency and fairness. Doctor Rady and Doctor Emmons urged colleagues to approve the repeal as part of a strategy to continue drainage work while seeking state support; Doctor Rady noted the city already spends about $1,000,000 annually on drainage improvements. "Several legislators have pledged to help us," Rady said, and called for continuing outreach to find a legislative solution.
Opponents, including Mister Esquivel, Mister Layborn and Mister Wolf, cited concerns about fairness to property owners and skepticism that the Legislature would act. Wolf said he opposed the repeal on principle and emphasized the need for more local investment in drainage.
The clerk recorded the roll call after debate. The ordinance passed with Mayor Collins and a majority of council members voting yes; Mister Esquivel, Mister Layborn and Mister Wolf recorded no votes.
Council members said they will continue to pursue alternatives, including additional outreach to the community and work with state legislators, while the city maintains existing drainage projects.
The ordinance takes effect as provided by municipal code; council members said they expect continued discussion as the Legislature studies stormwater policy during the interim.
