Cheyenne Council Members Criticized for Challenging Microsoft Annexation Referendum

Cheyenne city council members have been criticized for their decision to challenge a Microsoft-related annexation referendum petition. The petition, which was organized by local residents, seeks to overturn Ordinance No. 4687, which allows a 3,460-acre data center expansion on land tied to the annexation.

The council voted to ask a judge to determine whether the petition can proceed through the city's normal referendum process or if Wyoming Statute 15-1-409 requires residents to use a different process. The statute states that a district court review is required, but another law says an ordinance adopted by a municipal governing body shall be subject to a referendum vote if a petition signed by 10% of qualified electors is filed within 20 days.

Petition organizers M. Lee Hasenauer and Katherine McAdams accused the council members of arrogance in their decision, citing that they had gathered around 3,300 signatures, which exceeded the required amount for the petition to qualify for the ballot.