CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The county is receiving a new board to assist in overseeing a new senior center.
At their regular Tuesday meeting, Laramie County commissioners approved a resolution to establish the Laramie County Senior Services Board. In addition, board bylaws were implemented.
Laramie County has been experiencing its highest rise in the elderly population, per the resolution. As of 2023, the percentage of residents ages 65–74 is nearly 60%. In addition, the county entered into a contract Oct. 4 to purchase a senior center in coordination with the City of Cheyenne’s Housing Authority.
“This magnifies the need for services as provided for in described in W.S. 18-2-105 to help this demographic to maintain independence and avoid long-term care,” the resolution states. “This is both a public health and economic concern for which governmental action and involvement is appropriate.”
The commissioners approved six appointments to the board, each with varying term lengths. The following people are now members of the Laramie County Senior Services Board:
- Wendy Curran; term ends June 30, 2027
- Ray Gallegos; term length ends June 30, 2027
- Travis Koch; term ends June 30, 2026
- Julie Malm; term ends June 30, 2026
- Chris McRady; term ends June 30, 2025
- Brooke Schaffer; term ends June 30, 2025
Laramie County Attorney Mark Voss said the board members will be responsible for operating the senior center and the services associated with it. The board will ultimately comprise seven members total, he said.
“This resolution produces a governmental entity, which is in a sense a wing of the county, to operate as the Senior Services Board and to operate the senior citizen center and the various items and functions that that will perform,” Voss said.
The county is currently in discussions with Cheyenne Housing Authority to take over and operate the center, Voss said.
The resolution also included the new bylaws for the board, which stipulate the board’s responsibilities, board meeting time and other legal provisions.
The resolution and appointment documents can be viewed below.
