Welcome to the Wyoming Association of Special District e-Newsletter!
** URGENT **
UPCOMING DEADLINES
Don't miss these important upcoming dates!
  • July 15, 2021 -- FYE 2022 Budget hearings are required to be held by not later than the third Thursday in July!

  • July 31, 2021 -- FYE 2022 Final Electronic Budget Forms are due to the Department of Audit and County Commissioners.
Inside this Newsletter
  • President's Message
  • Breaking News
  • Important Dates
  • District Spotlight: Old Pen Joint Powers Board
  • Quick Info
  • About WASD
Hello,

We are excited to send you the very first edition of the WASD e-Newsletter. WASD looks forward to connecting with our members by providing up-to-date information to our members, as well as the opportunity to learn about each other and connect across the state.

Have an item for the newsletter? Email wyspecialdistricts@gmail.com to submit information.
Message from the Vice President
Rosemary Lantta
Like so many of you who wear multiple hats, Craig Haslam, President of the Association, is also the District Fire Chief for Fremont County Fire District. A very busy fire season has already begun. So on his behalf, I welcome you to the latest edition of our newsletter.

I haven’t always been cognizant of the important role played by districts throughout the state. But after assisting Wamsutter in 2014 with the formation of a Rural Health Care District, I was inspired by the sheer grit the residents displayed on the (winding) road to the successful formation. My ongoing work with the Trustees has turned me into a staunch proponent of the special district model to provide critical services and infrastructure that other entities can’t -- or won’t -- provide. 

Although the services provided by the 28 types of districts designated by statute vary, there are fundamental common interests -- and challenges -- that connect us. And that led to the formation of the Association.
It is an honor to serve the Association at the side of the other very committed board members. Please be sure to read my colleague Tina Hill’s story of a truly one-of-a-kind district in this issue. 

We are currently working to schedule a member meeting in Casper in November that will also be open to all of the special districts in the state. We will get the information to you as soon as the date and venue are confirmed.
There are 700+ special district in the state! At WASD, our collective hats are off to the special district community for all that you do for your communities and the state. 

Thank you,
Rosemary Lantta
Breaking News!
WASD joins national organization
In mid-June, the Wyoming Association of Special Districts joined the National Special Districts Coalition, giving WASD a voice in Washington.
NSDC is the only national organization representing and advocating for all special districts at a national level. Organized in 2018, a group state special districts associations in California, Colorado, Florida, Oregon, South Carolina, and Utah established a memorandum of understanding aimed to share resources, best practices and openly network to identify solutions to common problems for special districts across state lines. In 2021, the coalition expanded its mission to include federal advocacy for special districts to receive equitable access to critical programs available to local governments.

Uniting the most local of governments as one voice, NSDC fosters strong national collaboration to strengthen and advance essential community service enhancing communities’ quality of life across the country.
Other Important Dates
All forms can be found at https://publicfunds.wyo.gov/forms.

  • August 30, 2021
  • 2021 Annual waiver request for Irrigation or Drainage District from the oversight requirements (i.e. follow-up paperwork). An annual written request must have been submitted no later than 30 days after the required annual filing of financial information with the courts.
  • September 30, 2021
  • 2021 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances forms are due.
  • 2022 Budget Hearing Notices are due.
  •  October 31, 2021 
  • (NEW CHANGE) 2021 Annual Report Summary are due for all entities.
  • 2021 Proof of Cash, Internal Control, and Self Audit forms are due (if applicable).
  • December 31, 2021
  • 2021 CPA Reviews and CPA Audit Reports are due.

Additional dates available on Department of Audit website.
District Spotlight: The Old Pen Joint Powers Board
An interview with Historic Site Director Tina Hill
From 1901-81, the Wyoming State Penitentiary operated in full swing in Wyoming, but when a new facility was built, the State of Wyoming, City of Rawlins and Carbon County didn't know exactly what to do with the 65 acres and 13 building situated on the property. One building was torn down because of its age and state of repair, but the cost of demolition made destroying the rest of the property unfeasible. As a result, the Old Pen Joint Powers Board, a one-of-a-kind special district in Wyoming, was born. 

Today, Historic Site Director Tina Hill, a Joint Powers Board of seven members, and a small staff operate the Wyoming Frontier Prison, seeking to preserve the historic site and share the history of both Carbon County and the State of Wyoming.

"Tourism is the number two industry in Wyoming," Hill explains. "While preserving our history is important, we're also contributing to tourism in Rawlins and Carbon County." The site hosts an average of 14,000 visitors a year, contributing approximately $1.7 million annually to Rawlins, and bringing new life to a site that would otherwise serve as a loss of revenue and eyesore to the community. 

The Old Pen Joint Powers Board is comprised of seven members -- three from the county, three from the city, and one position that switches every term. The positions are appointed by their governing agencies. "As far as I can tell, we are the only Joint Powers Board in the state that operates a historic site," Hill comments. "Most often, historic sites operate under a museum district. However, we formed a joint powers board because both the city and country contribute funding." 

When the Wyoming Association of Special Districts (WASD) was formed, Hill and the Old Pen Joint Powers Board joined the organization to work with other groups in the state, find camaraderie, and brainstorm the best way to solve any problems that arise. "I have been site director here for 20 years, and before WASD was formed, I felt like I was all alone. I wanted to find a group of people who understand special districts that could help me from time to time." Hill also notes she strives to help other special districts when she can. 

"After we joined WASD, I received training I didn't even know existed. Now, I have a big notebook full of information I can refer to that I didn't have before," Hill continues. "There is also training on the website and opportunities to learn more. The last thing I want to do is put our site and our district in jeopardy, and WASD helps me ensure I'm doing what I need to do to comply with state laws." 

"For me, membership in WASD is simple and a no-brainer. I have colleagues I can ask questions of and get support from. It helps to not feel like we're the only one here," she emphasizes. "I don't think a lot of people understand what special districts do, but if they start to disappear, citizens will notice. WASD also helps the Wyoming Legislature and citizens understand just how important special districts are for the State of Wyoming and our communities."  
Historic gas chamber at the Wyoming Frontier Prison
Photo courtesy of Wyoming Frontier Prison
Cell Block A in the Wyoming Frontier Prison
Photo courtesy of Wyoming Frontier Prison
Click here to enter the Special District Online Training Course. This is a free, comprehensive online special district training program developed by WASD, launched December 2020. The program is self-guided, and you are able to learn and complete coursework at your own pace. Registration is free to special districts! 

This program is designed to help special districts and their board members become familiar with the laws and procedures involved in managing a special district.
Who is at the helm of WASD? The Board of Directors includes six dedicated individuals who serve on special districts across the state of Wyoming. Reach out to the Board by using the Contact Form found on the WASD website.

  • President - Craig Haslam, Wyoming Fire Chiefs Association and Fremont County Fire District
  • Vice President - Rosemary Lantta, High Desert Rural Health Care District (Sweetwater)
  • Secretary - Lindsey Woodward, Wyoming Weed and Pest
  • Treasurer - Reg Phillips, Dubois-Crowheart Conservation District
  • Tina Hill, Old Pen Joint Powers Board
  • Amy Hendrickson, Wyoming Association of County Predatory Animal Boards
Forming the Wyoming Association of Special Districts
The Wyoming Association of Special Districts (WASD) was formed to develop and provide training and communication to strengthen our Member’s governance and operations, get crucial information to Member Districts on a timely basis and magnify the voice of the over 700 special districts in Wyoming. Volunteers from Districts all over the state worked hard to make the formation of the Association in 2018 a reality. 

The objectives of the Association include assistance to Members through training and communication to ensure understanding of and compliance with Wyoming statutory and regulatory obligations to maintain accountability to our constituents. To strengthen District Boards, web-based training modules have been designed to address fiduciary responsibilities, operational expertise, and provide documentation of Member District’s commitment to training of their Boards.

WASD is the only statewide association representing the common interests of all 28 types of special districts. Association officers monitored the Regular and Interim Legislative Sessions this year and testified as needed to provide information on issues involving special districts. Participation in WASD is an investment in the future of your District. We urge you to find out more about WASD visiting our website.
Contact WASD