The
Wyoming Association of Municipalities, or WAM, is following bills in
this year’s legislature that may have an impact on cities and towns
within the state.
According
to information sent to Buffalo Mayor Shane Schrader by Earla Checchi
with WAM, 24 House Bills, 6 House Joint Resolutions, 13 Senate Bills
and 3 Senate Joint Resolutions were introduced before the end of the
first week of the legislative session, with WAM tracking many of
them.
One
bill that will affect municipalities in the state is Senate File 57,
Direct Distribution, or funds given
by the state to county and city governments.
The
legislature earmarked $105 million for distribution during the last
biennium, and Governor Mark Gordon has recommended $105 million for
the current biennium budget.
According
to WAM, the Joint Appropriations Committee has modified the Madden
formula for distribution, which will change the base amounts each
community gets, increasing amounts to smaller communities while
decreasing amounts for larger cities.
Communities
with a population under 35 people would receive base distribution of
$15,000 instead of $10,000; communities with a population over 35
people, would see their base distribution increase to $35,000 from
$20,000; with the remaining funds disbursed via the Madden Formula to
determine additional distribution amounts to each community based on
a combination of factors.
Senate
File 57 has passed all three readings in the Senate and is being
transferred to the House.
