Ringley kept an eye on direct distributions

During their most recent budget session, the Wyoming Legislature allocated the direct distribution funds, in the amount of $105 million, that will be supplied to towns, cities and counties all across the Cowboy State. 

These funds are divided using a complex formula outlined in the bill itself. Distributions in each fiscal year shall be made in equal amounts on Aug. 15, and Jan. 15, of each fiscal year as calculated prior to the Aug. 15, distribution.

Often a point of debate within the legislature, county and city officials throughout the state pay close attention to the discussions that surround these funds. While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Sheridan County Commissioner Tom Ringley spoke on the budget and more specifically, the direct distributions. 

According to the bill, HB0042, funds distributed under this section shall not be used for employee salary adjustments, additional city or county personnel or any increase to personnel benefits.

According to Ringley, smaller towns throughout the state will receive a larger portion that can be utilized by those communities. 

According to Ringley the county has traditionally used these funds on one-time expenditures that have been carefully debated, such as capital improvement projects. 

Interested parties can find estimated amounts within this form provided by Sheridan County.