City to Mull Smoking Ban Repeal, Costs of a Special Election

Casper City Council is inching closer toward its first vote on the possible repeal of the city’s controversial public indoor smoking ban.

At a work session last Friday morning, council discussed the cost of a special election if the ordinance were to be repealed and if supporters of the ban were able to collect enough signatures for a referendum.

Casper mayor Kenyne Schlager says council will likely discuss special election costs again at an upcoming work session.

“We had thought about putting this on for the next official meeting of the council, however, after we investigated the costs of what it would take for a special election, I want to make sure council knows about that before we move forward just in case if it changes the way they want to strategize,” Schlager said.

City officials estimate a special election could cost the city between $10,000 and $25,000. The election would be held on June 10 if the repeal passes its third reading by Apr. 2 and if enough signatures for a referendum are collected by Apr. 30.

Councilman Pete Meyers says council is scheduled to discuss the ban again at its Mar. 12 work session.