Laramie County commissioners approve pay increases for elected officials, adopt 400‑sq‑ft permit exemption and OK coroner equipment

The Laramie County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2 adopted a resolution setting salaries for elected county officials for the 2027–2030 term and approved a package of routine and policy items, including a building-code amendment exempting accessory structures up to 400 square feet from building permits, a $68,870 equipment purchase for the coroner’s office paid from opioid-settlement funds, and an amended cooperative agreement with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to remove a closed bridge over Union Pacific tracks.

Todd Ernst, Laramie County assessor, spoke on behalf of elected officials and urged the board to approve the salary adjustment, saying, “This is the first adjustment since 2018” and warning that low compensation can limit the pool of qualified candidates. The board voted by roll call to adopt the resolution.

The salary measure follows a staff recommendation and public testimony from county elected officials; commissioners said the change is intended to make running for office more attractive and to help retain experienced officials. The resolution sets pay for the next elected term beginning…