Coffee with Representatives at Clearmont Town Hall

On Wednesday, January 21, the town of Clearmont held a special Coffee at Town Hall with Representative Marilyn Connolly. A good crowd attended the event to share their views of what’s important for the town and eastern Sheridan County. County Commissioner Christi Haswell attended the coffee as well.

The first question to come up was from Clearmont Mayor Chris Schock, who asked about direct distribution.

Connelly said that

There was this exchange between Haswell, Schock and Connolly.

“So that’s where the direct distribution is setting right now,” Connolly said. “I’m all for getting it back to 8%.”

Connolly and Haswell discussed the re-calibration, which is affecting schools in Wyoming, and the fact that the funding model will increase the class sizes, which would mean the need for less teachers.

This affects the actual core teachers, Connolly said, adding that they are looking at losing nine teachers in Johnson County.

Discussion also centered around various services that are funded by the property taxes, and where to make up the difference. Haswell and Connolly had this exchange.

Also discussed were the reduced property taxes for long time homeowners.

Haswell also talked about county employees and their wages, and ways to hire and retain them for the county. She said that they struggle with the sheriff’s office and getting new officers for what they can afford to pay. “It makes me nervous about more property tax cuts,” she said.

Marilyn Connolly talked about the legislature approving raising the wages for some state employees.

Clearmont Councilman Ernie Miller added,

Other topics included corner crossings to access landlocked public lands for hunting, and the selling of public lands, which can be a controversial topic.

Voter ID was another topic touched on briefly, with discussion centering on how residents of elder care homes could obtain photo ID’s, as most do not drive and do not have driver’s licenses, but many want to continue to cast their ballots in elections.

According to town clerk Shelby Fennema, the Coffees at the Town Hall, held every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., continue to draw several Clearmont area residents to discuss concerns and chat about current events.