Commissioners discuss energy policy, grants, staffing changes

GILLETTE, Wyo. — The Campbell County Board of Commissioners discussed several topics during its March 4 meeting, including public safety programs, juvenile services funding, county jobs and federal policy.

Commissioners proclaimed March 2026 as American Red Cross Month. Robby Gallob, a representative from the Red Cross, told the board the organization is funded entirely by donations and relies heavily on volunteers. About 90% of its workforce is volunteer-based. Volunteers help respond to emergencies, install smoke detectors and assist during disasters. The group is currently working to build teams of three to five volunteers in each county to better serve local communities.

The board also heard updates on several public safety and health efforts.

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office reported that opioid settlement funds were used to provide wellness and sleep training for 69 local deputies and 13 officers from other agencies. The training focused on helping first responders deal with the stress and trauma that can come from responding to overdose calls.

Commissioners approved a $398,191.75 grant application for the Community Juvenile Service Board for the 2026–28 period. Officials said the funding is higher than in previous years and will help support local intervention programs, the YES House and a new at-risk transition coordinator position in the school district. Officials also said Campbell County has seen a big drop in juvenile detention as the community has focused more on early intervention programs.

Children’s Developmental Services also received approval to hire a recruitment firm to help find a physical therapist. The position has been open for more than a year. Officials said the search has been difficult because there is a national shortage of about 12,000 physical therapists, and Wyoming does not have a doctorate program for the field.

The board also accepted a $10,000 grant for the Wright Story Walk project. The project will include 25 permanent stations along a path from the Wright Library to the community center. The walk is meant to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday and provide a learning activity for the community. Installation is expected to be finished by late May.

Commissioners approved updates to the county’s salary range placement table as well, along with several job reclassifications.

Officials said the changes are meant to update pay scales and make sure some clerk, treasurer and district court jobs stay above state poverty levels. The changes also create new deputy director and specialist roles in departments like Parks and Recreation and the Sheriff’s Office to help with future leadership and employee retention.

Additional position updates were approved for the airport, museum and Campbell County Assessor’s Office to help keep up with growing workloads.

Commissioners also shared a report from their recent trip to Washington, D.C., where they attended the National Association of Counties legislative conference.

During the trip, officials discussed possible changes to federal permitting rules through the proposed Speed Act. The bill aims to speed up the National Environmental Policy Act process and set deadlines so projects are not delayed for years by lawsuits.

Commissioners also said discussions with the Department of Energy were focused on hydrocarbons and geothermal energy. Officials said there is interest in bringing stronger support back to the American coal industry as part of the nation’s energy mix.

Federal officials also talked about the need for the U.S. to produce more of its own critical minerals. Commissioners said coal-related research happening in Campbell County could help reduce reliance on rare earth minerals from other countries.

During public comment, a resident raised concerns about veteran healthcare and suicide prevention. He asked the county to focus on housing and local medical resources so veterans do not have to leave the state to get help.

Commissioners said they plan to continue working with veteran groups to address those concerns.