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Board discusses member backlash over license‑fee increase; staff to craft talking points
Summary
President‑Elect Alison Gee raised a member complaint about the Bar’s decision to raise license fees for 2026/2027; Executive Director Sharon Wilkinson and Bar Counsel Mark Gifford recommended explaining the reasons, comparing 2013 and current costs, and preparing talking points for the Annual Business Meeting.
Board members discussed a member inquiry objecting to the Wyoming State Bar’s decision to raise license fees for the 2026/2027 fiscal year and considered how to communicate the reasons to the membership.
President‑Elect Alison O. Gee reported she received a complaint from a member in Sheridan County who argued the Bar should spend reserves before increasing fees. Gee suggested preparing historical context and talking points for the Annual Business Meeting to explain current costs to members.
Executive Director Sharon Wilkinson said she had provided the complaining member with financial information but had not heard from other members. Wilkinson explained she did not include the fee increase in district talking points because she had not yet received Court approval for the change and does not circulate materials requiring Court orders before they are issued.
Bar Counsel Mark W. Gifford said the Bar should compare today’s costs with 2013—the last time fees were raised—calling particular attention to new recurring payroll items such as a full‑time Deputy Bar Counsel and a half‑time WyLAP director. No formal vote was taken; board members agreed to prepare and share talking points and historical context at the Annual Business Meeting.
