Joint Appropriations Committee Meeting Summary (July 9-10, 2002)

The Joint Appropriations Interim Committee met on July 9 and 10, 2002 in Powell.  To receive remediation options for school building inadequacies identified in Powell and Sheridan, and as required by 2002 enacted legislation.  A remedy for construction of new buildings for Sheridan School District #2 was adopted, and funds were released for development of schematic design documents on the adopted remedy by the school district.  After touring the Powell High School Complex and receiving testimony from MGT and Powell school officials, the Committee delayed the release of schematic planning monies until completion of a structural engineering analysis of identified facilities by MGT and the district has held further public hearings on facility remedies.   The Committee will meet again on September 5, 2002 in Riverton to consider the structural engineering findings and to determine a remedy for the Powell High School complex.

In addition, the Committee received testimony from the Community College Commission and Wyoming Public Television regarding funding to switch from analog to digital signals.  The Department of Administration and Information provided an update on employee benefit issues, including a draft proposal for a new state total compensation flexible benefits plan, and on the progress of hiring a Chief Information Officer.  The State Forestry Division also addressed the Committee on the issue of funding for the county emergency fire suppression account.

 (View Minutes)