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The Sheridan City Council took a decisive step toward modernizing local regulations for pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers, approving the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 20 of the Sheridan Municipal Code during its regular business meeting Monday night, March 10, 2025. The vote was 6-0, signaling strong bipartisan support for the measure.
Police Chief Travis Koltiska presented the proposed changes to the council, emphasizing that the updates are designed to enhance law enforcement’s ability to track stolen property and ensure compliance among businesses that deal in used goods. “The current code hasn’t been significantly updated since 2010, and the landscape of second-hand sales has changed dramatically with online platforms and digital transactions,” Koltiska said during the meeting.
The ordinance introduces several key provisions. First, it requires pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers to maintain electronic records of all transactions, including detailed descriptions of items, seller identification, and timestamps. These records must be submitted to the Sheridan Police Department within 24 hours of each transaction, a shift from the previous weekly paper-based reporting system. Second, the amendment increases the mandatory holding period for certain high-value items—such as jewelry, electronics, and power tools—from 10 to 30 days, giving investigators more time to connect items to reported thefts.
Third, the ordinance imposes stricter penalties for non-compliance. First-time violators face a fine of up to $500, with subsequent offenses escalating to $1,000 per violation and potential suspension of the business license. The council also added a provision that allows the police chief to request a court order to inspect business premises without prior notice if there is reasonable suspicion of illegal activity.
Koltiska noted that the changes were developed in consultation with local pawnbrokers and the Wyoming Pawnbrokers Association, aiming to balance public safety with business interests. “We want to ensure that legitimate businesses can operate effectively while making it harder for stolen goods to circulate,” he explained.
The council’s approval on second reading came after a brief discussion. Councilmember Amanda Smith asked about the potential impact on small operators, citing concerns over the cost of implementing electronic record-keeping systems. Koltiska responded that the department would provide a free, city-operated software tool for businesses to comply, and that the Wyoming Small Business Development Center had offered to assist with training. “We’re not looking to burden anyone—we’re looking to create a level playing field and protect our community,” he added.
No public comments were offered during the hearing, but several residents submitted written statements in support of the ordinance, according to City Clerk Jennifer Woods. The local Chamber of Commerce also issued a statement praising the collaborative approach, noting that the updated rules would “help maintain trust in Sheridan’s second-hand marketplace.”
The ordinance now moves to third and final reading, scheduled for the council’s first regular business meeting in September 2025. If approved, it will take effect 30 days later. Council President Michael Brown confirmed that the council would also consider a companion resolution to allocate funding for the software tool and training program before the final vote.
The push to update Chapter 20 comes amid a broader trend in Wyoming municipalities. In January, the city of Casper adopted similar revisions, and Cheyenne is currently reviewing its own pawnbroker regulations. According to the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, at least a dozen counties have tightened rules on second-hand dealers in the past two years, citing a rise in property crime linked to the opioid crisis and online fencing operations.
For Sheridan, the ordinance represents a proactive measure. Police data shows that property crime in the city decreased 8% in 2024 compared to 2023, but the clearance rate for stolen property cases remains low at 22%. Koltiska believes the new reporting requirements could improve that number. “When we have real-time access to transaction data, we can identify patterns and suspects much faster,” he said.
Local pawnbroker David Harmon, owner of Sheridan Pawn & Gold, told the Sheridan Press after the meeting that he supports the changes. “We already keep detailed records, but having a standardized digital system actually makes things easier for us. It cuts down on paperwork and helps us avoid mistakes,” Harmon said. He added that the longer holding period might cause some cash-flow issues for high-volume items, but he expects the overall impact to be manageable.
The council’s 6-0 vote included all members present: President Brown, Vice President Sarah Johnson, and councilmembers Smith, Robert Lee, Patricia Garcia, and James O’Brien. Councilmember Thomas Davis was absent due to a prior commitment.
As the ordinance heads toward its final reading, stakeholders are watching closely. The Sheridan Police Department plans to
