Tuesday, February 10, 2026 |
Photo – Carbon County Land Use Plan – Courtesy Carbon County Commissioners
Despite issuing more building permits than the previous year, the county collected less revenue from permit fees.
During the February 3rd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Planning and Development Coordinator Kristy Rowan provided her annual report. Rowan explained that while her department issued 21 more building permits in 2025, the county still saw a $45,660.20 decrease in revenue compared to 2024.
Planning and Development Coordinator Rowan said the drop in building‑permit revenue stemmed from reduced income tied to transmission line projects, wind turbine generators, substation supply and demand changes, inflation, and possibly a recession.
Rowan said the 119 building permits brought the county’s valuation to $28.1 million. Previous reports show the total is down from $45.5 million in 2024. However, 55 new county rural addresses were created in 2025, compared to 27 the previous year.
Rowan reported that work on the Carbon County Land Use Plan, which identifies where specific types of development should occur in the county, has stalled. In 2023, the county began working with Y2 Consultants to update the land use plan. The planning and development coordinator said the Cheyenne-based engineering firm has not had anything to report since August of last year.
Rowan said Carbon County received $1.5 million in wind energy tax revenue in 2025, an increase of roughly $650,000 from the previous year. Commissioner Sue Jones explained that the change reflects large‑scale wind projects, including Ecola and TB Flats, coming off their three‑year tax exemption. Commissioner Jones said the wind tax is shared between the state and counties, with counties receiving the larger portion.
Commissioner Jones said the wind energy tax goes into the county’s general budget, where it helps cover road maintenance and emergency response services for the wind farms.
Planning and Development Coordinator Rowan said Planning Commission Vice Chairman Jay Grabow retired in October. Grabow served on the commission for many years, helping review land‑use applications and advise the county on zoning and development matters. Rowan said the county appointed Richard Wilson as his replacement, along with several other Planning Commission members, in 2025.
Rowan thanked Treasurer Lindsey West for helping her prepare the annual report. The Board of Commissioners commended Rowan for her detailed report and concise presentation. A copy of the 2025 Carbon County Planning and Zoning Annual Report can be found on the county’s official website.
