Commission approves fair budget line for arena screen; transit director presents five‑year recap

The Natrona County commission voted June 16 to approve a budget line so the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo can order a digital arena screen and moved several routine budget and consent items.

Fair representatives described plans to tear down an aging rodeo office, install a new shoot and a digital scoreboard/screen; vendor lead times were 8–12 weeks. Commissioners moved to include the screen request as a specific line item in next year’s affairs/fair budget so the fair could order the screen now and pay when it is delivered; the motion was approved.

Transit director Liz Becker presented a five‑year recap of operations after the city assumed transit operations in May 2021, reporting roughly 160,000 annual passenger rides and an unchanged FY27 budget request. Becker said the department is conducting a route analysis due this fall and is exploring fixed‑route connections to the airport and employment centers, and noted fleet replacement and training work.

In formal business, the board approved Resolution 21‑26, a transfer of funds from unanticipated revenue and cash reserves to cover vehicle‑damage reimbursements, grant projects and increased health‑insurance payroll expenses including a four‑tier funding change. The board also approved the consent agenda. No public opposition was recorded during the resolution’s public hearing.

Votes at a glance • Motion to add approved fair screen budget line (affairs/fair line item): approved (voice vote). • Resolution 21‑26 (transfer of unanticipated revenue and reserve cash to multiple account lines): approved (voice vote). • Consent agenda: approved.

The commission recessed to an executive session earlier in the meeting to discuss potential litigation and reconvened with no decisions taken in executive session.