On Tuesday, September 17, the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce brought its popular Coffee with the Chamber program to Clearmont, held at the town hall. The event was attended by key Chamber figures, including Bobbi Mitzel (Member Relations Director), Teresa Detimore (Program Development Director), and Jodi Hartley (Marketing and Communications Director), as well as chamber ambassadors Gail Symons and Jack Wood. Local officials, including Clearmont Town Council members and school representatives, were also present.
Updates from Clearmont
Mayor Schock opened the discussion with an update on Clearmont’s recent developments. He highlighted the progress of the waterline project, which is approaching completion, and the ongoing work on Water Well #3. The town hall is also undergoing improvements, including the installation of new windows. Schock detailed how Clearmont receives its funding and discussed the potential impacts of upcoming legislative proposals on smaller towns in Wyoming.
Jack Wood inquired about the use of Cap Tax monies in Clearmont. Wood also emphasized that while Sheridan County doesn’t need to increase the sales tax, it should be maintained at its current level.
Kirstie Auzqui, Clearmont Town Clerk, discussed the general misunderstanding surrounding the funding of roads, bridges, towns, and schools. She reflected on the town’s changes over the years, noting a decrease in businesses, population, and student enrollment, including the recent closure of Arvada School due to insufficient student numbers.
Insights on Education and Property Taxes
Dr. Walt Tribley, President of Sheridan College, shared his thoughts on proposed property tax reforms in Wyoming and their potential impact on the college, which relies heavily on property tax revenue. Tribley highlighted the college’s offerings, including high school students taking college courses, and discussed career opportunities in fields like software development, which can yield salaries up to $85,000 and offer remote work options. He also mentioned courses aimed at rural landowners, addressing the shifting demographics in Wyoming.
Chase Christensen, Superintendent of SCSD#3, reported a positive start to the school year, describing it as the best beginning of a school year in his career. He emphasized the commitment to providing quality education despite the challenges faced.
Housing and Local Government Challenges
The discussion also covered the issues of affordable housing and the difficulty of finding candidates for school board and town council positions. Gail Symons noted that this issue is not unique to Clearmont but is a broader problem affecting local governance across the region.
Jodi Hartley concluded the meeting by explaining that the Chamber’s Coffee events aim to gather updates and concerns from various small towns in Sheridan County. These gatherings are open to everyone interested in learning more about their communities and contributing to local dialogue.
The Coffee with the Chamber event in Clearmont was a valuable opportunity for residents and officials to engage in meaningful conversations about the town’s future, educational opportunities, and community challenges.