Tuesday, OCTOBER 7, 2025 |
Photo – Saratoga Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Chief of the Saratoga Police Department briefed the governing body on recent departmental efforts, including increased patrols and new vehicle purchases.
During the October 1st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Police Chief John Moore announced that his department received 209 calls for service since the previous meeting. Additionally, Chief Moore said he has instructed his officers to expand their presence at the Hobo Hot Springs.
Next, the Police Chief reported that he is still awaiting delivery of three new patrol vehicles. Earlier this summer, the governing body approved the purchase of two 2024 Dodge Ram trucks and one 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe as part of an effort to update the police department’s aging fleet. Chief Moore said he remains hopeful the vehicles will arrive in the near future.
Finally, Chief Moore said he and Public Works Director Emery Penner are finalizing the resident off-road vehicle survey. Last month, the Police Chief reported that he had received complaints about side-by-sides and other off-road vehicles operating within town limits. Per Wyoming Statute 31-2-232, all off-road vehicles must be registered and display a license plate to be legally driven on Saratoga’s streets.
During the September 16th Town Council meeting, Chief Moore asked the governing body if they would consider designating certain streets as ORV routes, which would allow off-road vehicles to travel through town. Alternatively, the Police Chief suggested adopting an ordinance requiring off-road vehicles to simply display a valid sticker issued by the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails.
The Saratoga Town Council agreed that additional public input was necessary before making a decision about in-town ORV usage and instructed Chief Moore and Public Works Director Emery Penner to create a mail-in survey to gather residents’ opinions on the subject.
Speaking at the October 1st meeting, Chief Moore said the survey was nearly complete.
The Saratoga off-road vehicle usage survey is available now and includes a QR code allowing residents to respond to the questionnaire online. Physical copies of the survey can be picked up at Saratoga Town Hall, located at 110 East Spring Avenue.
