KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, SportsMayor Discusses Legislature

Mayor Discusses Legislature

Mayor Rick Kaysen announced the City of Cheyenne's stance on a few of the issues being presented to the legislature at his monthly conference.

He also stated what the city feels about Governor Mead's biennium budget proposal.

Governor Mead recommended $168.4 million be set aside for local government's in Wyoming. The issue was the biggest item of interest for Cheyenne according to Mayor Kaysen.

The Joint Appropriations Committee adjusted how that money would be spent, allowing $81 million of the $168.4 million to be spent on direct distribution.

"What that means for the City of Cheyenne in comparison to fiscal year 2012 is it'll be approximately one million less than we received for 2012," Kaysen said.

In response to lower revenues from energy prices the state has had to make some tough decisions in regards to hiring employees and giving raises.

Cheyenne will not be factoring in any new hires to it's budget for the 2013 fiscal year. The mayor addressed a report that the city would have salary increases as a result of direct distribution money.

"There isn't anything further from the truth on that. We have not had those discussions," Kaysen said.

Senate Files 25 and 27 address the definition of what makes something a public meeting and a public record. The city thinks more clarity on these matters would be a good thing.

"It does help clarify and I think that is in the best interest to the public as well as local government as well as state government," Kaysen said.

Mayor Kaysen brought up House Bill 68 as another bill they are interested in.

If passed the bill would give $4.2 million of additional revenues to cities and towns from severance taxes.

"Of course we would support that bill as well because it does give us an opportunity for more dollars to be coming into local government that we can then use going right back out into serving our residents and our citizens," Kaysen said.

One other topic the mayor discussed briefly was running for re-election. He has not made up his mind, but says he will know sometime in early March.