Local governments impacted by state cuts

With state budget cuts for local governments imminent, local towns are bracing to feel the impact. According to a press release issued Dec. 3 from the Wyoming Association of Municipalities, Governor Matt Mead released his biennial budget for fiscal years 2017-2018 on Tuesday, Dec. 1, in which he requested $90 million for local government. The 2015-2016 budget and supplemental budget provided $183 million for local government, making the Governor’s request a 50.8 percent total reduction in funding.

Albin Mayor and WAM Board Member Kelly Krakow said the funding comes from mineral taxes on coal,...