In a recent meeting, the Natrona County Board of Commissioners in Casper, Wyoming, took significant steps to address local infrastructure and legal challenges. The board unanimously approved a $1.93 million bid for the Squaw Creek Road project, awarding the contract to Barnum Inc., a company based in Buffalo. This decision came after reviewing seven submitted bids, as detailed in county documents.

Alongside infrastructure improvements, the commissioners also finalized the county’s 2026 Wildland Fire Management Operating Plan and established multiple agreements for the local child support enforcement program. Additionally, six professional services contracts were approved for juvenile court-appointed attorneys dealing with abuse and neglect cases. The board also granted a waterline license on Squaw Creek Road and appointed Stephanie Whitfield to the Amoco Reuse Agreement Joint Powers Board, with her term extending to 2028.

Rising Mental Health Case Load

During the meeting, County Attorney Ashley Smith provided a concerning update on the county’s legal workload, driven by an increase in involuntary mental health hospitalizations, known as Title 25 cases. Smith reported that her office managed 50 Title 25 hearings in just the first three weeks of the month, sometimes handling up to eight cases in a single day. This surge is causing significant burnout among veteran attorneys.

Smith emphasized the need for legislative changes, particularly concerning juvenile cases, which she believes are not adequately addressed by current statutes. To manage the workload, the county has posted an opening for a deputy attorney and is considering contracting services to neighboring counties once fully staffed.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.