On December 19, the Niobrara County Commissioners heard from Niobrara County Sheriff Randy Starkey concerning additional staff and employee retirements.

With the renovations of the Sheriff’s Department building drawing closer to completion, Starkey stated that he wanted to examine the possibility of hiring more staff and revising the retirement program. Starkey emphasized the importance of having a retirement program attractive enough to entice applicants to work for Niobrara County. The commissioners agreed that this topic merited further discussion at future meetings. The commissioners stated that more research on the matter was required in order for an informed decision to be made.  

Starkey reported that the projected completion time for the Sheriff’s Department’s new roof is in February. Staff would return to the facility roughly a month later.

Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Commissioner for District 6 Leslie Stewart introduced Cindi Martinez and Abigail Lashbrook from the Wyoming Brownfield Initiative: State Partnership for Urban and Rural Redevelopment (SPURR). Martinez gave a brief presentation to the commissioners about the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Brownfield Assistance Program. More specifically, Martinez informed the commissioners of what SPURR could offer in terms of assistance with the upkeep and renovations of the old jail. Properties that have experienced some level of development or industrial activity in the past have been assigned the designation of Brownfield. These are places where the building expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, such as lead-based paint, asbestos, or other pollutants.

Martinez stated that SPURR safely assesses properties and conducts clean-up operation. The organization can also help with funding. SPURR seeks to reinvigorate communities by finding viable functions for buildings in need of repurposing. The idea is to help bring in revenue, enhance neighborhoods, elevate tax bases, and stimulate the job market.

SPURR has helped several Wyoming towns. For instance, the organization assisted Rawlins in repurposing its old pink motel. The city of Rawlins had been considering converting the building into a retirement home or possible housing that would be six months free for staff of the Wyoming State Penitentiary. SPURR was also involved in the repurposing of a building in Laramie, which had been assessed for electrical issues and was being considered as a potential art building.

Martinez told the commissioners that SPURR’s services included environmental assessment, redevelopment planning and cleaning and remediations. These services are not only provided for communities, but for private buildings too.

The commissioners asked various questions and made the decision to use SPURR’s services to assess the old jail.

The next County Commissioners Meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on January 2, 2024.