THURSDAY, August 6, 2026|
Photo – Great Seal of Carbon County – Bigfoot99 file photo
State law prohibits the county from providing road maintenance to a Ryan Park neighborhood.
During Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Deputy County Attorney Ashley Davis announced that the Board received a letter from the Ryan Park Property and Homeowners Association seeking road maintenance. The nonprofit organization oversees residential properties in the unincorporated community of Ryan Park.
Attorney Davis noted that the county received a similar letter last year requesting funding to maintain the same road. She said the state constitution prohibits the county from giving the homeowners association money.
Article 16, Section 6 of the Wyoming Constitution prohibits counties and other local governments from loaning or giving public funds or credit to private individuals, associations, or corporations. Attorney Davis said county services, including road maintenance, also fall under those provisions. In addition, she said the roads were built with full knowledge that the county would not provide support.
Attorney Davis added that the county no longer owns property in the area after control of the Ryan Park Fire Department was transferred to the Carbon County Fire Protection District. She asked the Board if they wanted to send a response to the Ryan Park Property and Homeowners Association informing them of the county’s legal limitations.
Commissioner John Johnson said an official letter may not be necessary as the association was informed last year that the county is unable to help with road maintenance.
Commissioner John Espy said sending a written response may be in the Board’s interest. If the Ryan Park Property and Homeowners Association seeks assistance with road maintenance in the future, he said the county can refer them to the letter.
Following the discussion, the Board unanimously voted to send a letter to the Ryan Park Property and Homeowners Association stating that the county cannot legally provide funding or services for road maintenance.
