WAM Tracking Direct Distribution in Legislature

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.