It’s a topic on everyone’s mind, and it comes packed with uncertainties.

On Jan. 21, however, Wyoming Taxpayers Association Executive Director Erin Taylor came to Torrington to update the public and local government officials about the state’s budget situation.

Wyoming’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) released a report in October projecting state revenues for the fiscal year 2011-12 biennium would be about $168 million less than thought in May, and Taylor said she expects the number to stay pretty flat heading into the upcoming legislative session.

“It’s way down from what is was a couple years ago,” she said in assessing the overall revenue situation.

Though Gov. Dave Freudenthal has continually stated that the budget situation isn’t as dire as it’s been made out to be, Goshen County Commissioners Chairman Jim Hudelson said he’s not the one facing possible 30 to 50 percent cuts.

Additionally, Taylor said though the budget situation still offers entities some wiggle room, some municipalities are facing bleak budget scenarios. The problem stems from towns and cities putting funds towards costs like salaries rather than one-time expenditures.

That situation leads to difficult budget decisions for officials when revenues decrease.

“That’s not going to go away, and it will probably get worse in the next two years,” she said of the situation.

couple of years ago.

“That tide has turned a little bit,” she said.

For the complete article see the 02-02-2010 issue.

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