The city of Casper will lease two buildings and 70 acres of land from the Wyoming Contractors Association (WCA) to support the growing needs of its nearby landfill operations, Oil City News reports.
The one-year lease, unanimously approved by the City Council on October 15, will provide much-needed space for equipment maintenance, training, storage, and administrative functions.
According to city staff, the buildings at 2220 Bryan Stock Trail are well-suited for the landfill’s requirements, offering features like tall doors and an overhead crane, which make it ideal for maintaining heavy equipment. Previously, landfill machinery had to be serviced by local mechanics or worked on outdoors, prompting the city to consider constructing a new facility. However, leasing the WCA buildings, located just down the street, presented a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
The lease agreement will cost the city $10,000 per month, lower than the market rate of $11,000 to $16,250 per month. The deal also includes an option for the city to apply 80% of lease payments toward an eventual purchase of the property for $3.5 million.
The arrangement allows the city to delay or find alternatives for two capital projects originally budgeted for this year, using those funds along with contingency reserves to cover the lease costs. This decision ensures the landfill can continue to operate smoothly while addressing its maintenance and operational needs.