City of Newcastle hires grant manager — Council hopes to generate more funding
Newcastle will pay $81,000 for a grant specialist with the hopes of bringing in more money to repair and improve city infrastructure.
On July 7, the Newcastle City Council voted to offer conditional employment to Beth Blackwell for $81,000 a year, or $39 an hour, to write and manage grants for the city starting July 14. The offer includes a one-year probationary period.
Greg Stumpff, public works supervisor, told the council that Blackwell has “extensive background” in grant and grant loan management. Her work history includes the management of grants including mineral royalty grants and State Revolving Fund loans.
“I can’t tell you how many thousands of applications she’s probably read,” he said.
Mayor Tyrel Owens also spoke highly of Blackwell and what she brings to the table.
“This is going to be huge for the city of Newcastle if we pass this,” he said. “She’s just fantastic. She’s super sharp and she knows where to find all the money so that we can get our projects done.”
According to Stumpff, Blackwell will be working remotely. He said she is the one that would read grants in her previous position, so she will know what needs to be in the grants to push them through.
As for the salary, Stumpff said that was based on the wage range the state has for the grant manager for the Office of State Lands and Investment. He noted that the money was budgeted for the position.
According to Stumpff, having a grant specialist will free up time he spends on grants. He noted the SRF application he submitted already had over 500 hours of work into it, assuring the city that Blackwell will stay busy.
Before approving the motion, Councilman Tom Voss questioned if Blackwell will be allowed to work for other people or if she will work for just Newcastle.
Stumpff told the council that this was discussed with Blackwell and that “yes she could make extra money if she wants to work
outside of the normal hours that she would work for us.”
“I think Beth thinks that we can’t keep her busy enough, and probably at first it’ll be tough for a little while, probably a couple weeks or a month,” he said, noting that the city will have to get her the list of projects.
“I think you can keep her busy by searching and giving us a list of where we could get money,” Stumpff said. “The sky’s the limit, but I just don’t have time to do it.”
Voss suggested that her first task could be to tell the city where they can get money, noting that he doesn’t like the idea of paying someone $81,000 a year if they can work for others.
Stumpff said that the salary is significant, but she could eventually end up paying for herself if enough grants were received.
It was noted that moonlighting is allowed in the policy manual for city employees.
Owens said that the position is something the city will have to feel out but that hiring Blackwell will be “pretty huge for us.”
City Beats
Notes from the July 7, 2025, meeting of the Newcastle City Council
A motion to allow for center lane parking on Main Street during the weekly Farmers’ Market failed. The request was made by Dave Ehlers, with the Farmers’ Market. The council discussed needed conversation with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and safety concerns prior to the failed motion.
The Newcastle City Council approved Bruce Perkins’ request for motorcycle middle lane parking Aug. 1 through Aug. 11. The council also approved the relaxation of the open container law at the tables outside of Perkins Tavern during the same dates.
Per the request of Sandra Martin, the council will allow open containers on Main Street for the Classic Summer Drags event on July 18.
The council approved Ordinance No. 6 on first reading. This ordinance amends Sec. 16-11.2 of the Newcastle Town Code referencing compression or Jake brakes to include areas that are excluded and penalties.
Greg Stumpff, public works supervisor, told the council that the restrooms at the sports complex were closed due to vandalism.
Stumpff reported that water donated to Weston County School District No. 1 can reach 1.9 million gallons in July and August. He said that the annual estimated cost for the water is $9,486.
The council approved the agreement with Hot Iron for the 2025 Improvement project. Total costs for the project is $2,168,616.68.
Newcastle Police Chief Derek Thompson discussed vehicle bids with the council. The council approved the purchase of a 2025 Dodge Durango. Discussion was had regarding the bid for the second vehicle.
Following an executive session referencing proposed litigation, the city approved a motion to amend the contract with Cambria Improvement District, crediting their account to observe decreases to conform to the intent of the contract and for the credit to be applied over a 12-month period.
The council also approved a motion to amend the contract with Sunset Ranch water, crediting their account to observe decreases to conform to the intent of the contract and for the credit to be applied over a 12-month period.