Casper Council Moves Forward on $4.9 Million Budget Adjustment

In a routine but substantial update, the Casper City Council signed off on a second amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, making dozens of adjustments with a total net impact of roughly $4.9 million.

The action, taken at Tuesday’s council meeting, is part of the city’s typical financial management cycle, explained Financial Services Director Jill Johnson. She noted the city usually passes three amendments per year, with this second one being the “smallest” as it catches up on recently received grants and project changes.

Here’s a breakdown of the largest adjustments approved in the amendment:

· 10 MG Reservoir Project
· Change: $2 million reduction in both budgeted expenses and revenue.
· Reason: Revised engineering estimates lowered the total project cost, so the city will reduce the state loan it takes out for the work.
· Priority Water Main Replacement
· Change: $1 million replenishment.
· Reason: Funds were previously used for an emergency tank repair and are now being restored for their original purpose.
· I-25 Water Main Replacement
· Change: $982,540 allocation.
· Reason: To coordinate replacement work with an ongoing Wyoming Department of Transportation interstate repair project.
· Regional Wastewater Treatment
· Change: $861,900 allocation.
· Reason: To cover Casper’s 85% share of rising treatment costs at the plant.
· Transit System Upgrades
· Change: $500,000 in spending authority.
· Reason: For a bus garage security upgrade and floor replacement, funded primarily by a state grant.

Other Key Adjustments

The amendment also addresses an urgent infrastructure issue: $360,000 is allocated for emergency repairs to the North Platte Sanitary Sewer Interceptor at Wolf Creek, where erosion has exposed the pipe. The work is needed before spring flows increase.

The city stresses these budget moves will not require any adjustments to utility rates for residents. Johnson stated the third and final budget amendment of the fiscal year will later be used to “tie everything up for the year.”