CASPER, Wyo. — Natrona County commissioners have decided not to take any further action on Converse County Hospital’s request to buy the building where its Casper subsidiary operates, citing a lack of support among board members.
During Tuesday’s meeting, County Attorney Leda Pojman stated that Memorial Hospital of Converse County and Summit Medical Center leadership were preparing documents that Natrona County would require in order to issue a $29.2 million Industrial Development Revenue Bond.
MHCC intends to purchase the Summit Medical Center building at 6350 E. 2nd St. in Casper, saving the hospital an estimated $10 million over the next 20 years compared to its current lease, they said.
The board first heard the request on August 19 and tabled it to allow the commissioners to gather more information. Another discussion on September 2, during which commissioners indicated a lack of public support, resulted in the agenda item being re-tabled.
On Tuesday, Pojman inquired whether the board intended to make a decision, and Chair Dave North responded that he did not believe there were enough votes to take action.
“Is no action a no?” Commissioner Peter Nicolaysen asked.
“Pretty much,” North replied.
The commissioners’ decision means that, while the hospital can still buy the building, it must use traditional financing methods, which can be more expensive.
In other business, the commissioners talked about gambling revenue with the County Attorney’s office and Casper-Natrona County Health Department Director Anna Kinder.
According to state law, counties and cities receive 45% of the revenue from skill-based amusement games. The first $300,000 from online sports betting is given to the Wyoming Department of Health, with the remainder going into the state’s general fund.
Kinder stated that the health department receives approximately $54,000 for problematic gambling services from funds allocated to counties who agree to provide such services.
The board also reviewed the Casper Museum Consortium’s request for a letter of support for its Wyoming Semiquincentennial Grant Program application.
The grant would support a countywide marketing and outreach campaign to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Project Coordinator Anne Holman stated that the project, in collaboration with the Natrona County Public Library and Visit Casper, would create a detailed website and a print publication highlighting local events.
The commissioners decided to have a letter of support drafted.
The board will sign a contract with YoungWilliams Inc., a Mississippi-based company. The contract, included in the Information Technology FY25-26 budget, is for the creation and maintenance of an artificial intelligence agent named Priya. The AI agent will be used to streamline training for Clerk of District Court employees.
The contract is for one year, ending on September 30, 2026. The price includes a $15,000 setup fee, a $1,000 monthly charge, and additional fees for excessive usage.
