City/County Communication and Collaboration

Sheridan County communities have not often enjoyed the benefits that effective communication and collaboration between local governments can provide.   Development is most noticably impacted in the area where city limits meet county lands.  Development plans had to be reviewed by both the County planning department and the City planning department; however, the City and County didn't always have the same development processes or standards.  Developers' plans could meet one set of standards but not another, creating a mass of red tape and costly plan revisions. 

Forward Sheridan met with elected officials, business leaders, and community members to find solutions to this issue.  To simplify development processes in this area, both City and County agreed to plan review by the County planning department for approval.  If development plans received the County planning department approval, the City would also approve.  Utilizing one set of standards for development eliminated the confusion that comes from having to follow two different sets of standards, streamlining the development process.  This agreement, called the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was drafted into ordinance language for both City and County, and presented for adoption to both City Council and County Commissioners.  City Council adopted the MOU on October 1, 2007--minutes of the Council meeting are here.  The County Commissioners adopted the MOU on December 5, 2007--the Sheridan Press covered this meeting and their article is here.

Forward Sheridan is also working with community and business leaders to explore the option of a liasion group, which would share the perspectives and governing options available for each entity, and seek opportunities for collaboration.  The goal of this liasion group is to improve communication and collaboration between municipal and County government that will result in more efficient and effective governing services for the entire community.