Natrona County commission candidates talk budget cuts, economy at library forum
CASPER, Wyo. — Ten candidates for the Natrona County Board of Commissioners gathered at the Natrona County Public Library on Thursday to respond to voter questions about the county’s future. The candidates are. . .
CASPER, Wyo. — Ten candidates for the Natrona County Board of Commissioners gathered at the Natrona County Public Library on Thursday to respond to voter questions about the county’s future. The candidates are vying for three open seats on the board, with incumbent RepublicanDallas Lairdseeking reelection while commissioners Jim Milne and Peter Nicolaysen step down at the end of their terms. Hosted by the Natrona County Library and the Casper League of Women Voters, in partnership with the Natrona Collective Health Trust and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, the forum featured two Democrats,Candace MachadoandLisa Jamieson, alongside eight Republicans:Cameron Savage,Cathi Carr,Chad McNutt,Charles Moore, Laird,Greg Flesvig,Matt KeatingandRay Pacheco. Republican candidatesJanel MooreandRozmaring Czabanwere absent. Preparing for property tax reductionsPart of the evening focused on a potential 50% property tax reduction — a decision for voters to make in November’s general election — and how the county would manage the ensuing budget shortfall. Candidates largely agreed that non-essential services would face cuts, though some want to look at generating alternative revenue and managing existing funds. “We have $90 million in the bank drawing interest, and we spend the money … we get on interest and use that to run our agencies,” Laird said, chipping in support for property tax elimination and shifting toward higher sales taxes. “There are people out there who I’ve seen at hearings involving the assessor where the women and the men are in tears because they can’t pay the tax on their house. ”Natrona County Board of Commissioners Republican candidates, from left, Cathi Carr, Chad McNutt and Dallas Laird answer voter questions Thursday at the Natrona County Library. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)McNutt said long-term planning will help the county maneuver, acknowledging that core services should be prioritized over extras. “I think the one thing we have in our favor is that we know it could be coming, and so we could start now, we could have some contingency plans,” McNutt said. While short-term cuts might be necessary, Moore said, they must be handled carefully. “You don’t need to be cruel when you’re cutting budgets, you need to be respectful,” he said, urging a two-pronged approach that includes generating revenue through new ideas and economic growth. Natrona County Board of Commissioners Republican candidates Charles Moore answers voter questions Thursday at the Natrona County Library. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)Spurring economic developmentAsked how they’d handle the county’s stagnant economy and the potential for new industries, such as a proposed data center, Carr spoke about a need for diversification. “We live on the boom and bust of the oil and gas industry and repeating the cycle over and over again,” she said, adding that “we have to bring in new industries, we have to bring in the technology. ”Savage said the county desperately needs business, but all companies must operate under consistent expectations. “We need to make sure that we have standards in place that are going to protect the community, but at the same time, we have to make sure that we are open for business,” he said. Natrona County Board of Commissioners Democratic candidates, from left, Lisa Jamieson and Candace Machado answer voter questions Thursday at the Natrona County Library. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)Flesvig said a welcoming business environment will help combat the out-migration of Wyoming’s youth. “I would like to have a barrier-free atmosphere to have economic development companies coming in,” he said. He added that creating viable job opportunities and fostering infrastructure are essential to keeping young people in the state. Hospital relationsOn the topic of the county’s relationship with Banner Wyoming Medical Center,which has come up short on its post-sale obligations, candidates weighed in on oversight, accountability and patient care. “We need to protect our citizens, the primary job of government, and we need to advocate for responsible care with them,” Keating said, adding that the county must keep lines of communication open without becoming too adversarial. Jamieson acknowledged the complexity of the county’s contract with Banner Health but said that the county still holds influence through local trust agreements. “We have this health trust that is providing them upwards of $15–$17 million a year under that agreement,” Jamieson said, adding that “we need to hold them accountable to the extent that we can. ”Engaging the next generationIn response to a question posed by a junior moderator from the Boys & Girls Clubs, candidates discussed keeping local youth engaged in civic processes. Pacheco, who currently serves as the mayor of Casper, proposed creating an avenue for youth participation to make sure they’re heard in local government. “I will push for a youth council for the county commission so you have a voice,” he said. Machado, the former mayor of Evansville, agreed with the need for civically-engaged youth. She said young people have repeatedly told her, “We don’t want you to tell us what to do. We want to be a part of the discussion. ”