Mill levy pursuit — Osage districts explore mill levy to address funding needs

*Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the amount of funds the mill would raise for the districts. 

The Osage Water District and the Osage Improvement and Service District are considering implementing a mill levy to help address long-term funding needs, according to the districts’ representative, Ed Quinones, who presented the proposal to the Weston County Commission during the board’s June 16 meeting.

Quinones told commissioners that district officials began exploring additional revenue sources after finding themselves short of funding about a year ago.

“We found ourselves not having enough money,” he said. “That’s always the case with any municipality.”

According to Quinones, the districts held a public meeting attended by roughly 40 residents — which he noted is a great turnout for Osage (whose total population ranges from 114 to 151) — to discuss its financial situation and possible solutions. During the meeting, district officials disclosed financial information and sought public input on how to proceed.

Quinones said residents supported both a rate increase and the creation of a mill levy.

“There was a vote, and the vote was at 96 to 97% approval,” he said.

Quinones explained that Wyoming statutes allow the water district to levy up to 8 mills. He also discussed a separate proposal involving the district’s improvement district authority, noting that state law allows up to 4 mills under that structure, with 2 mills available without voter approval and an additional 2 mills requiring voter approval.

The presentation was intended to provide commissioners with an overview of the districts’ plans and to seek guidance on the process before submitting a formal request.

Commissioner Marty Ertman questioned whether county commissioners actually have the authority to approve or deny the levy request.

Ertman said her reading of state statutes suggests that districts may already possess the authority to request the levy once the districts have been formed.

“When I read it, I don’t see where the commissioner’s discretion is,” she said. “The only thing is to allow that the institution collects one.”

Ertman recommended consulting with the county attorney before moving forward. She said during her reading, she couldn’t find where the commissioners say yes or no. 

Quinones acknowledged that his interpretation of the statute may have been incorrect and requested additional review. He asked if the board could follow up at the next meeting. 

Ertman said that if County Attorney Michael Stulken says “go fourth and be merry,” then there is no further discussion required. 

Discussion also focused on the potential revenue generated by a levy. It was noted that the mills for both districts would amount to roughly $12,000, although final assessed valuations for the current tax year have not yet been certified by the state.

Quinones said he has not calculated a final revenue estimate because current assessment data is unavailable.

“The only way I could do that is if I went back to last year’s numbers,” he said.

Commissioners also discussed whether the levy would apply only to property owners within the districts’ boundaries. Quinones said any levy would be assessed only within the districts.

The discussion concluded with commissioners agreeing to seek guidance from the county attorney before determining what role, if any, the County Commission must play in the levy process.

No action was taken.

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