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Fremont County seeks full PILT funding as commissioners warn of drought and urge water conservation
Summary
Commissioners said they will lobby for full Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools funding while warning residents about drought‑driven fire risk and the possibility of mandatory water restrictions this summer.
Fremont County commissioners said they will press for full Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding and noted the county relies on federal payments and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) revenue to support local services.
"We get about $1.4–$1.5 million a year on that when it is fully funded," Commissioner Debbie Bell said of PILT funding; she said county leaders travel to Washington to lobby annually for those payments. Bell added the county currently receives only a modest amount from SRS: "we only get a little over $100,000 of that," she said.
Commissioner Dwayne McFall emphasized the link between public lands and county finances: western states shoulder a large share of federal public lands and still must provide county services. The commissioners urged residents to support continued federal funding for counties with significant public‑land holdings.
Separately, commissioners warned that an intensifying drought has raised wildfire risk and strained water supplies. "The forests are dry. It's dangerous," McFall said, urging people to report smoke quickly and be careful with fire risks. County officials said water providers are discussing voluntary restrictions now and that mandatory limits are likely if relief does not arrive; they urged bulk water users and residents to check with their local providers.
County leaders said they are advocating both funding for public‑land impacts and for federal management actions to improve forest health. They framed these efforts as ongoing responsibilities that affect county budgets and public safety.
