Saratoga Town Council Ends 2024 Business

The two Saratoga Town Council meetings in December wrapped up business, saw a councilwoman’s term end and set the stage for a new council in 2025.

The first item to be cleared was the ongoing liquor license saga for the American Legion Post 54. The issuance of the liquor license was tabled and delayed for the month of November due to complaints filed with the Town and the State of Wyoming Liquor Division.

The American Legion Commander, James Olguin, attended the December 3 meeting and was apologized to by Mayor Chuck Davis for the confusion and the delay of license approval.

“The letters of complaint sent to the Town were 75 – 80 percent incorrect,” said Davis. “James supplied the requested logs and documentation and Moore (acting police chief) was satisfied.”

The Legion’s liquor license was approved for 2025 and the matter was concluded prior to moving into the year.

The police department ended the year with two readings of ordinance revisions for possession of driver’s license and a new canine hire. Argus, the new canine officer, was already involved in drug possession arrests as of the December 17 meeting.

The other department with outstanding results for the year was the Department of Public Works DPW) with final readings of sewer rates, water rates and flood plain ordinances. The Planning Commission and Emery Penner, Director, were also finalizing a subdivision revision to be introduced in the new year.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were also redistributed by the State of Wyoming due to other municipalities returning unused funds to the state.

“Saratoga received $440,000 in redistributed funds for the River Street Project,” said Penner. “Approximately $1.4 million were used from ARPA funds to complete the project and we were happy to receive the additional funding.”

At the December 17 meeting, Councilwoman Kathy Beck thanked the Council and the people of Saratoga for allowing her to serve and help make a difference during her time involved with the Town governance.

Only one new member, Cory Oxford, will join the team in 2025 as Bub Barkhurst was elected to a two year seat, and Mike Cooley to a four year seat.

The next Saratoga Town Council meeting will be January 7, 2025 at 6 pm at Town Hall.