[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6252587,"mediaKeyId","3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c","parentId",3186587,"title","HR seeks modest budget increases for recruitment, COBRA and backup badge printer after hiring gains","audioSeconds",995,"startMs",3651000,"endMs",4646000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c&start=3651&end=4646","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c/thumbnail_3651000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6252587/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/HR-seeks-modest-budget-increases-for-recruitment-COBRA-and-backup-badge-printer-after-hiring-gains","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252587-ae98fefb145c32cd19531a6e47b27aff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178078&Signature=E-KPfmp5MhyJTLOkLnguHbsiBZdIRMwyQ1lpn-BD49Trpt6VsNSsTjSguItw6wFF~zAujjK4JYG4L34k0vjLwYd~SCg4O2G6CfUiTc-atwIZun2OHgkY7Au8X0ROkWsE70pMEpMtevBwaDwt1~pjileWdIL-N6e1iXGY-trSNQdAYW0EWn3FJZjVlYxg5~l7OHmlH7tnQIEf7rTgqa5q77QHcxv-vkGaArn2E1swsZCK63C8IR12MRhUW9D23nHG4jYpuf-S5wKu5Y1Wd~YJKrgmjMZx86TrV9fIR8oclN5gmvg4uCtcZmXI3UBLGkNIVxFV-B4UxaI1wAHQXv8Jow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Cheyenne WY","date","2025-05-03T16:12:52.123Z","article","Darren Hass, director of human resources, presented the HR division\u0000budget and described recruitment efforts, wellness program participation, and technology needs tied to onboarding and benefits administration.

\"We continue to be successful in job sharing and partnerships that have reduced open positions,\" Hass told the council while outlining HR's request.

Key HR items presented:

- Staffing and budget requests: HR reported five full-time employees and three part-time lobby/coverage positions. Hass said the department is requesting modest net increases for FY2026: he cited a $15,600 net increase in operating lines earlier in the presentation and later summarized an overall request of about $32,000 to cover pay-grade adjustments, software maintenance and supplies.
- Recruitment outcomes: Hass said open CDL positions dropped from 13 to two on a single-day comparison after targeted recruitment, partnerships with local training programs and referral incentives.
- Referral bonuses: The referral-pay structure described on the record is $500 total for a full-time hire (split payments after 30 and 90 days), $100 total for part-time hires (split), $50 for seasonal hires (split), and a $1,000 total bonus for \"hard-to-fill\" positions (split $500/$500).
- Badge system and supplies: Hass said employee badges with chips cost about $6.50 each and visitor/dummy badges about $1.20; HR is requesting funds for badge-card supplies and a refurbished backup badge printer after a service outage that interrupted badge issuance.
- Vendor and compliance costs: The HR presentation requested a $3,400 increase in computer/software maintenance to purchase a Paycom module to bring COBRA administration in-house and noted Department of Family Services no longer covering DFS background-check fees (DFS checks now estimated at $39 each).
- Wellness program: Hass highlighted continued wellness participation and claimed 110 employees had achieved the wellness benchmark in the current program cycle; other presenters earlier in the session (treasurer/staff) said there are 388 employees eligible for insurance and 292 currently participating in the wellness program (figures cited by treasurer's office during Q&A).

Why it matters: HR said recruitment improvements and in-house administrative tools aim to reduce long hiring cycles and recurring third-party fees; referral incentives and recruitment partnerships were credited with measurable reductions in vacancy counts.

Process and follow-up: HR will implement Paycom\u0000COBRA module pending procurement and continue recruitment partnerships; no council vote was held during the session.

Ending: Councilmembers asked about referral payouts, badge costs and advertising for open positions; HR supplied the payment schedules and per-badge costs on the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Work Session - FY Budget 2026 - Overview","oneSentenceSummary","Human Resources Director Darren Hass asked for additional funds to support recruitment, a Paycom COBRA module, badge supplies and a backup badge printer; HR credited recruitment partnerships for cutting open CDL vacancies from 13 to two and described growth in wellness participation and referral payouts.","taxTitle","Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming","taxId",4607,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6252592,"Youth Alternatives reports sharp rise in suicidal and homicidal assessments; requests $539,382 for FY2026",269,3173000,3442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c&start=3173&end=3442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c/thumbnail_3173000.jpg","/articles/6252592/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/Youth-Alternatives-reports-sharp-rise-in-suicidal-and-homicidal-assessments-requests-539382-for-FY2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252592-c4a2170627815b6c457e7e3e04e73f1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178078&Signature=JmadUq2NzGIEcb5cIUuuVT~-rSvd~s4GxG1OM7ShPNdXPcuAqhG43uZ5Yi0otR5tMgoJ7edl53Uuoc5G10mfT29NQ1wmpagiBoQsWeLGY43uMak5AIgjJ3JLVlaTvQexFiU38~C4cExPM2xQ6K09d6ZyfxZ-mdeVzI~KG934dEiB0Z5Ueo5UqlVZnN3X7RyuWtFJjWZ-sK1YOWBsUdhKUpmW69HruKcogdAUxNpo9ks5ripp-Z6VWEQZXLOIpLG8ITqaNwZmd9rYkyOyVAmItJgU8F4m0k0BtsznygLRsrglc8DQHinpe9Cg0urzyD7ARCo~8fVw1eKP7Jezy-QRAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jay Sullivan, director of Youth Alternatives, presented the department's FY2026 budget request and described a large increase in demand for crisis assessments and counseling services among local youth.

\"We provided services to 43 youth and families this past year\" in court services, and the department completed substantially more crisis assessments in 2024 than in 2023, Sullivan said.

Data and services:

- FY2026 requested general fund budget: $539,382, an increase of $22,387 over FY2025, primarily driven by the employee compensation study and insurance cost increases.
- Crisis assessments: Youth Alternatives completed 310 suicidal ideation assessments and 30 homicidal ideation assessments in the past year, compared with 150 suicidal assessments and 11 homicidal assessments in 2023; Sullivan characterized these as increases of 207% and 273%, respectively.
- Calls and counseling: In 2024 the department responded to 637 calls for service and provided family counseling to 489 individuals.
- Age trend: Sullivan told council the average age for recent assessments is between 9 and 11 years.

Program funding risks and facilities:

- AmeriCorps funding: Sullivan said the department receives roughly $368,000 in AmeriCorps funding currently and that the program was awaiting word from AmeriCorps amid broader federal reviews; he said AmeriCorps staff had been placed on administrative leave while the agency performs its analysis.
- Ropes course: The department has scheduled ropes-course repairs of about $7,800 and said annual inspections and certifications average $5,000 to $6,000 per year. The ropes course generates some earned revenue (fees referenced by staff and located on page 236 of the budget book).

Why it matters: The large increases in crisis assessments and lower ages for those cases are indicators of growing mental-health demand on city-funded youth services. Sullivan and councilmembers discussed professional development and licensure needs for clinical staff.

Process and next steps: Youth Alternatives will continue contingency planning in case AmeriCorps funding is reduced and pursue alternate funding sources; the council did not take formal action at the session.

Ending: Councilmembers thanked the department for its service and asked for clarification on professional development and ropes-course revenue projections; Sullivan indicated the department is pursuing alternate funding if AmeriCorps grants are curtailed.","Jay Sullivan, director of Youth Alternatives, told the council the department saw a sharp year-over-year rise in behavioral-health assessments for youth and is requesting a $539,382 FY2026 budget; the program is awaiting word on $368,000 in AmeriCorps funding and plans a $7,800 ropes-course repair.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6252597,"Treasurer outlines OpenGov conversion, payroll changes and $60,000 annual telecom and $25,000 software savings",4190,799000,4989000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c&start=799&end=4989","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c/thumbnail_799000.jpg","/articles/6252597/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/Treasurer-outlines-OpenGov-conversion-payroll-changes-and-60000-annual-telecom-and-25000-software-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252597-015a0944d4fca557cfa887c70631be1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178078&Signature=iPt1j7SEdRZUmBIYJd1PqMj0oSPFYyxcWzOP2mAlewLfMRDZYL5Rn8D4qj33D2NFM-f~guGiceFaas3pIAdtEeSgcgG9HsPgYsyOYv2IxDBlz9cXBqrIa0z0X8Wz~3P5yDpUCTmq5Q1koK4eEYSg-1i2JnwpWbQlYt91dCslvJ3cx3QSgS3biS4lNjeV1LE5OkL-5XqpIaMEI1RYxA2dd~iZ~s6AquclmEcfn8qj1eyLeizgnHnGFlKDThSKPFUc-A-AODGWuHlWNHmsBlOrilvAnpMw5Y6pu4m9Tl-lwwRCPi8qeFny-sOvzNdoK9wAab~QcLMyoPTcFoguGRYwKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Robin Lachman, Cheyenne\u0000city treasurer, described several financial-management and operational changes the finance office has implemented or will complete as part of FY2026 planning, citing technology conversions, payroll process changes and contract consolidations that produced recurring savings.

\"Developing the city's budget is one of our most policy significant policy responsibilities,\" Lachman told the council as she expanded on the mayor's budget overview.

Key operational items Lachman highlighted:

- Payroll reform: The treasurer said the office implemented a new payroll process for nonexempt employees to ensure pay for actual hours worked and to meet federal grant requirements. The change offers some employees a choice of payroll schedules.
- OpenGov conversion: The city is moving multiple functions to the OpenGov platform. Lachman said the procurement module is fully operational and the enterprise financials and asset-management modules are scheduled for phased launches; the goal for parts of the transition was a June go-live and additional financial module activity in early 2026.
- Contract consolidations and savings: Lachman reported consolidating 24 Verizon accounts into a single centrally managed account and 53 Adobe licenses into one Adobe Enterprise account, estimating about $60,000 annual savings on telecom and about $25,000 on Adobe licensing.
- Investment income: In a higher interest-rate environment the city boosted projected general fund investment income; Lachman conservatively estimated $1,380,000 for FY2026 versus higher actual earnings in the current year.

Other finance details presented on the record included parking bond amortization (current balance cited at $3,025,000 with scheduled FY2026 payment of $734,164 and final payment in 2028), increased health and dental insurance costs (6% increase cited, with a $449,510 general fund cost), and a 0.9% law enforcement pension increase costing about $182,140 to the general fund.

Why it matters: Software standardization, centralized vendor management and improved payroll accuracy were presented as ways the city can reduce administrative overhead and better track costs while preserving compliance and internal controls.

Process and follow-up: Lachman said some technical issues remain in the OpenGov financials conversion but that staff are working with vendors on fixes; no formal council action was requested at the session.

Ending: Council members asked about the frequency of vendor contract renewals and Paycom usage; Lachman and staff said centralized management and improved usage rates reduce long-term administrative cost and risk.","City Treasurer Robin Lachman described operational changes in FY2026 planning: conversion to OpenGov modules, a new payroll process for nonexempt staff, consolidation of Verizon and Adobe contracts that lowered annual costs, and conservative investment-income projections to offset revenue pressures.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6252602,"Cheyenne proposes $74.4 million general fund budget for fiscal 2026; property tax cut reduces growth plans",214,8000,222000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c&start=8&end=222","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3186587-a99d4dc16e99a4c30b12eedffa78539c/thumbnail_8000.jpg","/articles/6252602/Cheyenne/Laramie-County/Wyoming/Cheyenne-proposes-744-million-general-fund-budget-for-fiscal-2026-property-tax-cut-reduces-growth-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252602-2c8468ccfd06cba3c798c05413041444/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178078&Signature=Tm9Fu7Y4sTMeGYUvL7thWlbxI9hF8q0VjdmtJnhP1~JFPocDjdJPAdprK~0f7rvjoHr~RRHJXFpoBczoLtytc4VSyksCC9L8c5Dwve8rAL5m4FHSAMjYOLY9mHRWIKGXKca3lbq94ejZTp6SSgAoahokAnPtLdghuSMCcf~RH-FS8ui-OLBv8lwx265~upZX7vf4zFkKG5VeHx4P1ZNY0rSmZOWmEkFz3gBgA3FPBTmamxPbxzocGc6P0LjnhFDH4s0daRoW9NojAGc7wcdO~AfYB-JOJzrki-syZ8y9KGPf9G0FqpX~K6I9tbwe-fM~eRxowIA3KN5eJ6dT79vKjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Patrick Collins and City Treasurer Robin Lachman presented the city\u0000of Cheyenne\u0000proposed fiscal year 2026 general fund budget of $74,417,876 at a council work session, saying the total represents a 3.8% increase over the adopted FY2025 budget.

\"You have before you today our proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026,\" Mayor Patrick Collins said as he opened the presentation.

The mayor and treasurer said revenue gains driven by data-center expansion and stronger building-permit activity offset weakness in other sources but did not fully make up for state action reducing residential property taxes. \"The legislature passed residential property tax reductions that reduced our revenues by an estimated $1,775,000,\" Collins said, and the council was told that loss represents an \"opportunity cost\" that will limit the city's ability to add staff.

Why it matters: The budget balances recurring expenses with one-time projects while pausing some planned growth in public safety staffing. City leaders framed the package as conservative amid economic uncertainty, and they flagged the risk that future state or voter actions could further reduce property tax revenues.

Top-line figures and drivers: The treasurer and mayor said key numbers include:

- Total proposed general fund revenues: $74,417,876 (up $2,770,229, or 3.8% from FY2025).
- Estimated revenue loss from the recent residential property tax change (Senate File 69): $1,775,000.
- City area growth: 4,637 acres added over four years; city now about 39 square miles.
- Major revenue gains: franchise fees on gas and electric up about $2,652,000 (roughly 48%), driven by data-center electricity use; building permits projected to grow by $710,000 (31%).
- Revenue weaknesses: sales tax collections projected down $904,800 (3.65%), lottery proceeds down about $100,000, and cable franchise fees down about $104,400.
- The top 10 revenue sources account for roughly 85.7% of the general fund.

Payroll and staffing: The city presented payroll changes and staffing details, including:

- Payroll expenses increased about $1,227,000 over the FY2025 budget, with components the mayor itemized as: $425,000 for market study adjustments, $108,000 for step increases, and $552,000 tied to five new FTEs hired during the last fiscal year.
- The budget eliminated 4 FTEs for a savings of $423,000; the net authorized FTE count in the proposed budget is 451.1, a decrease of 0.3 from last year.
- One new ongoing position recommended: an additional prosecutor in the city prosecutor\u0000\u0000office at an estimated cost of about $140,000.
- Police and fire hiring plans are being slowed. Collins said plans \"to add more police and fire personnel to keep up with growth must now be postponed.\"

One-time investments: The city will allocate about $2,282,000 in one-time resources, including smaller capital and equipment items and several facility upgrades. Notable items listed by the mayor include: $350,000 for a new grapple truck for forestry, $45,000 for Civic Center lighting upgrades (LED conversion), $820,000 to add lights to two baseball fields at Dutcher Complex, $100,000 to retrofit an existing vehicle for wildland response, and money for IT and facilities upgrades.

Budget risks and reserves: Treasurer Robin Lachman emphasized inflationary pressures and uncertainty in revenue forecasting; she noted the city is keeping conservative projections and highlighted reserves and diversified revenue as cushions. Lachman also pointed to increased investment income projections in a higher interest environment as a partial revenue offset.

Process and next steps: The mayor and treasurer said department budgets will be presented in upcoming work sessions and the council asked staff for supplementary breakdowns (for example, a consolidated overtime increase report). No formal vote on the proposed budget occurred at the session.

Ending: Council members questioned staff on specific line items, including overtime calculations, wellness participation for insurance premium discounts, and the composition of the one-time project list. City leaders said they will return with more detailed breakdowns in subsequent meetings.","Mayor Patrick Collins and City Treasurer Robin Lachman presented a proposed FY2026 general fund budget of $74,417,876, citing new revenues from data center growth but noting a $1.775 million revenue loss tied to recent state residential property tax reductions that will delay planned public safety hires.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

HR seeks modest budget increases for recruitment, COBRA and backup badge printer after hiring gains

Youth Alternatives reports sharp rise in suicidal and homicidal assessments; requests $539,382 for FY2026

Treasurer outlines OpenGov conversion, payroll changes and $60,000 annual telecom and $25,000 software savings

Cheyenne proposes $74.4 million general fund budget for fiscal 2026; property tax cut reduces growth plans