WORLAND – After a nearly 40-minute executive session to discuss litigation, the Washakie County Commissioners accepted a counter-offer to sell the current Washakie County Library located at 1019 Coburn Ave.

The commissioners received an offer during their March 16 meeting, but according to the commission they were unable to reach an agreement with that purchaser and were approached by a different buyer.

Details of the contract were not publicly available at press time, as the County Commission is the only party that has signed the contract. More details and information on the contract and sale will be provided as they become available.

INSURANCE

DISCUSSION

The commissioners met via Zoom with Jon Martin of HUB International in order to receive an update regarding insurance rate increases from the Joint Powers Trust (JPT) for the upcoming year beginning on July 1.

Martin came before the commissioners with two separate proposals regarding medical insurance for the upcoming term. There was a one-year option which saw a 5.3% increase over the current rate, and a second option which included a three-year commitment at a reduced rate of a 4.3% increase over the current price but should the county leave during that time period then they must make up the cost difference in the rate.

The commissioners held a short discussion regarding the subject, and approved the three-year commitment at the lower 4.3% rate. The county also saw a reduction in dental cost at a rate of 3.3% with no change in vision as it runs on a 24-month renewal schedule.

MENTAL HEALTH EVENT

Mary Johnson and Jackie Robinson of Cloud Peak Counseling came before the commissioners to inform them of an event for mental health which will include a lunch and speech from Governor Mark Gordon.

The event is set for May 14 at the Worland Community Center (WCC).

INTERNET

Tobi Johansen of Range discussed the phone system and internet that would be installed in the future Washakie County Library. The bid included 13 systems in the building between all the entities located in the building along with gigabit internet for the building. Johansen said the internet service would be provided at no charge as long as the county paid for the equipment.

The commissioners approved an amended bid after members from the library requested additional equipment.

NEW BOARD MEMBER

Sherry Walters was approved as a new member of the Washakie County Fair Board, following the resignation of Shane Wiggins last week.

WYO Help

The commissioners approved a motion to send a letter to the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to appoint Goshen HELP/WYO Help to be in charge of distributing money through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

Kyle Borger of Goshen HELP was present at the meeting to discuss the intent of the funding and the company, which is to help assist those in the community that need it most to become self-sufficient.

VACCINE

Washakie County Public Health Nurse Manager Amanda Heinemeyer said that they vaccinated approximately 150 people during the clinic at the WCC between first and second doses administered.

The second dose for those that received the vaccine via the drive-up clinic on March 26 will be this Friday, April 23.

Heinemeyer said that they have plenty of vaccines available, and plan to host vaccinations via appointment or scheduled on Wednesdays from this point forward.

Heinemeyer said during the meeting that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was still on hold pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business at Tuesday’s meeting:

•Sheri Gunderson of Washakie County Youth Alternatives informed the commissioners that she had met with the budget committee for the Worland City Council but was awaiting news about whether they would fund half of her $24,000 salary.

•Lila Jolley of Washakie County Prevention reminded the commissioners about the Washakie County Prevention Coalition Drug Free Community walk/run on Wednesday, May 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Worland Walking Path.

•The commissioners approved the North Ten Sleep Creek Subdivision set to be located just east of Ten Sleep. The commissioners also approved an affidavit of correction for the subdivision’s plat.

•The commissioners approved a motion to allow Chairman Commissioner Fred Frandson to sign the agreement with S & L Industrial for the Lower Nowood striping project upon receiving it in order to send the agreement to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) in order to get the project started.

•Keith Bower of road and bridge said that they will need to look into purchasing a new roller at some point which will cost upwards of $72,000. Commissioner Aaron Anderson said the equipment will need to be considered as part of the upcoming 2021-22 fiscal year budget.

•Tom Schmeltzer of building maintenance said they are beginning to spray weeds, weather permitting. He also said that they are booked solid on weekends at the Washakie County Fairgrounds until essentially August.