What a Council Week Really Looks Like

Kyle Gamroth’s schedule “ebbs and flows,” with the third week of each month being the most board-heavy. That round typically includes the Metro Animal Shelter task force, the Casper Housing Authority board meeting, and events with Casper U Young Professionals. Despite the online noise, direct outreach is quieter than folks think—emails and phone calls are limited, and meetings often draw a mostly empty room save for staff and one very dedicated resident.

“More often than not… we’re speaking to a mostly empty room.”

When Community Voice Changes the Map (Literally)

Gamroth says the satisfaction comes from small, fast wins: traffic studies, restriping, and stop signs that make neighborhoods safer.

• Kaufman Street concerns turned into a traffic study within a week and new signage shortly after.
• In River West, neighbors asked for stop signs at right-angle turns; the city installed them.
• At Trevett and Robertson, restriping created turn lanes and cut daily congestion.

“The city’s nimble enough, we can pull that stuff off with relative ease.”

Property Tax Cuts: What They Mean for Casper

The statewide 25% residential property tax cut (up to $1M in value) reduces Casper’s general fund revenues by about $1.8 million. Gamroth notes that the total budget includes enterprise funds and capital projects; the general fund—the operations engine—is closer to $50 million. A $1.8 million hit there is significant, leading to choices like fewer seasonal park staff, reduced irrigation, and a pared-back holiday tree lighting.

“There is not any decision we could make… especially in the way of cuts to services—you’re gonna upset someone.”

He also flags a citizen-driven proposal slated for a future ballot to further reduce property taxes by 50%. If the first round of cuts trimmed holiday amenities and park care, deeper cuts will come with visible trade-offs.

Budget Philosophy: Reserves, Realities, and Saying No to Short-Term Fixes

Casper is required to pass a balanced budget and typically uses conservative revenue projections. Reserves—like four months for the general fund and three months in utility funds—exist for volatility and service continuity. Gamroth argues against using one-time funds (like the city’s Perpetual Care Fund corpus) to plug ongoing operational gaps, calling it short-term thinking that creates a structural deficit and erodes future interest income.

Ordinance Tweaks, Big Reactions

A recent cleanup added “snow” to the list of sidewalk obstructions in an existing ordinance. Gamroth characterizes it as a precision fix aimed at egregious cases—like commercial piles blocking sidewalks or rights-of-way—rather than fuel for widespread ticketing, noting code enforcement’s limited staffing. He contrasts the heavy public reaction to this tweak with the light turnout for long-horizon work like the parks master plan.

Hogedon: Why a Facility Fee Is on the Table

Hogedon’s cost recovery target is 65%. Users and volunteers emphasized that success depends on replacing an aging lift. A proposed 10% facility fee on day tickets and season passes, paired with periodic rate increases, won’t buy a new quad by itself, but could seed grants or low-interest financing and help move the project forward.

“They see the value of it and… spoke in support unsolicited, and that just doesn’t happen very often.”

How to Be Heard in Casper

• Regular meetings (public comment): 1st & 3rd Tuesdays. Pre-meeting 5:30 PM; meeting 6:00 PM; public comment usually around 6:15—arrive by 6:00 to be safe.
• Work sessions (observe only): 2nd & 4th Tuesdays.
• Email/phone: listed on the City of Casper website.
• Watch for town halls and public forums on the City of Casper Facebook page.

Listen to the full conversation
https://youtu.be/tpWooFCAK1U