(Riverton, WY) – The Riverton City Council approved funding agreements for eight community organizations totaling $240,000 at its July 2 meeting.
The funds come from direct distribution money the city receives annually from the state of Wyoming. In fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30, the council had approved $275,000 for 13 community organizations.
City Administrator Kyle Butterfield explained that after an advertising period, the council received presentations from 20 organizations seeking a total of $783,649 in funding. Through the budget process, the council chose to fund eight of those requests.
“These organizations are not under the direct oversight of the City of Riverton and are not maintained as city departments,” Butterfield said.
The council approved individual service agreements for:
- Eagles Hope Transition
- Injury Prevention Resources
- Juvenile Justice Services of Fremont County
- MMIP Wind River
- Paws for Life Animal League
- R Recreation
- Riverton Chamber of Commerce
- Riverton Volunteer Fire Department
Councilman Kyle Larson expressed strong support for funding the Chamber of Commerce.
“I think that we couldn’t pay that amount of money to bring that type of help from volunteers that are in our community,” Larson said. “And chamber of Commerce is just one of those backbone things that big kids have in their toolbox when they become cities.”
He added that the Chamber “does so much good for the community” by bringing in jobs and allowing “people more access to freedom and enjoyment and makes the city better.”
The council also discussed the value provided by the volunteer fire department. Mayor Tim Hancock noted that many firefighters also serve as police officers or sheriff’s deputies.
“I really appreciate them being willing to do that and really put on two hats,” Hancock said.
Councilman Kyle Larson asked what a professional fire department would cost the city. While no specific figure was provided, Hancock confirmed it would be “a lot more” expensive than the current volunteer model.
The funding agreements are similar to those used in previous years for community service contracts. The money comes from direct distribution funding the city receives from Wyoming each year, with the amount fluctuating based on legislative action.
Butterfield said these funds are typically used for one-time purchases like capital expenditures, but a portion goes to local programs benefiting the community.
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