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Cheyenne Today
By the People, for the People
Wyoming Senate to Vote on Stormwater Fee Legislation
Bill would require voter approval for stormwater fees in Cheyenne and Laramie
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Wyoming Senate is set to vote on Senate File 116, a bill that would require cities and towns in the state to get voter approval before imposing fees for stormwater infrastructure. The bill is seen as a direct response to unpopular stormwater fee proposals in Cheyenne and Laramie in 2025, which were put on hold due to public backlash.
Why it matters
The proposed legislation highlights the tension between local governments trying to fund critical infrastructure and residents who are resistant to new fees. The outcome of the vote could have significant implications for how stormwater projects are financed in Wyoming communities.
The details
Senate File 116 is sponsored by Sen. Gary Crum [R-Albany County] and co-sponsored by several other state senators and representatives. While the bill does not specifically name Cheyenne and Laramie, it's clear the legislation is aimed at those two cities, which both attempted to impose stormwater fees in 2025 that proved deeply unpopular. The Cheyenne fee was put on hold, but a new proposal is slated for a city council vote on February 23.
- Senate File 116 is scheduled for a third and decisive vote in the Wyoming Senate on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
- Cheyenne's new stormwater fee proposal is slated for a first reading at the city council meeting on February 23, 2026, and could take effect on March 5 if approved.
The players
Sen. Gary Crum
The Republican state senator from Albany County who sponsored Senate File 116.
Sen. Tara Nethercott
The Republican state senator from Laramie County who is the Majority Floor Leader of the Wyoming Senate and a co-sponsor of Senate File 116, but has expressed concerns about the bill.
Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins
The mayor of Cheyenne, who said the city has agreed to work with the legislature to provide solutions on the stormwater fee issue.
Matt Lockhart
A Laramie city councilman who said the city's stormwater fee proposal remains on hold pending lawsuits and other developments.
What they’re saying
“There is not a single resident within the Capitol City that I am aware of that is satisfied with what has happened. They are upset.”
— Sen. Tara Nethercott, Majority Floor Leader, Wyoming Senate (laramielive.com)
“We're still in a holding pattern with city council until July 1. Waiting on the lawsuits etc.”
— Matt Lockhart, Laramie City Councilman (laramielive.com)
What’s next
The Wyoming Senate is scheduled to hold a third and final vote on Senate File 116 on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. If passed, the bill would then move to the Wyoming House of Representatives for consideration.
The takeaway
The proposed stormwater fee legislation in Wyoming highlights the ongoing tension between local governments trying to fund critical infrastructure and residents who are resistant to new taxes and fees. The outcome of the Senate vote could have significant implications for how stormwater projects are financed in communities across the state.
