GUERNSEY – The current Guernsey representative serving on the Platte County Lodging Tax and Tourism Joint Powers Board addressed the council about grievances during public comments of last weeks’ Guernsey council meeting.
The lodging tax board, as it is simply called, is responsible for overseeing lodging tax funds allocated to the county, along with other revenue received, ensuring they are distributed properly to promote travel and tourism within Platte County. The board is required to consist of five members from Guernsey, Glendo, Chugwater, Wheatland, and an at-large Platte County representive. Reichert was appointed to represent Guernsey in 2021, then accepted the council’s re-appointment for a second two-year term in 2023.
Shawna Reichert addressed the council, stating her position on the lodging tax and tourism joint powers board “is being attacked – illegally, unethically, and without due process.”
“The law is clear, only the council that appointed me can remove me, not the mayor acting alone,” she said about a letter signed by the mayor to the lodging tax board stating the intention of the governing body of Guernsey to remove Reichert and appoint another individual to the new position, as of their Feb. 18 meeting, stating a majority of the board are required to come from the travel and tourism industry.
Wyoming state statute W.S. 16-1-106(a) governing joint powers boards mandates five members on the board with a majority of them coming from the travel and tourism industry.
“The board requires members who represent tourism – which does not mean working in a hotel, it means contributing to the industry. I do that as incoming state director of Skills USA Wyoming,” Reichert said in her defense. “I was appointed by Governor Mark Gordon to a state tourism board and serve on the Wyoming State Chamber board of directors. If the governor of Wyomign recognizes me as a representative of tourism, who is the mayor of Guernsey to say that I do not.”
She added, the notice to remove her through the letter is in violation of Wyoming state statute requiring fair procedures for removal, including a right to respond before removal. Reichert also pointed out, the governing body which made a board appointment is the body which has the authority to remove their representative.

“I have the right to a written explanation and a formal hearing before any action is taken. Neither has happened, putting the town at legal risk. This isn’t just about removing me. It’s about abuse of power,” Reichert said.
She added, “Councilwoman Penny Wells and a town employee who also sits on the board of my former employer have spread false information about me and misused confidential employment details…This breach of ethics exposes Guernsey to legal consequences.”
“Beyond the law, this issue is dividing our community. Leadership sets the tone and questionable actions erode trust. I Thessalonians 5:22 (The Holy Bible) reminds us to abstain from all appearance of evil. Leaders have an obligation to uphold the law and protect the integrity of this town,” Reichert said. “This council must ensure ethical government. I urge you to reject the illegal removal attempt and address those responsible for these actions.”
Reichert gave to the council body copies of a formal complaint she is lodging against “Councilwoman Wells and her employee that is spreading false information.”
She also gave a copy of past financial reports which are public record to councilwoman Wells in an attempt to address issues Wells has had with Reichert.
Reichert’s husband, Troy, spoke on her behalf to the council. He reminded the mayor he has long held respect and worked side by side with him on many issues and projects in the community. “I believe we share a common desire for what’s best in this community…for these reasons I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Because when I saw the letter you sent to the lodging tax and joint powers board, I immediately thought you had to have some people talking in your ear, filling your ears with some crap that’s not true. I honestly expect better from you,” Troy said.
“My wife is not deserving of the mud being slung against her from these incompetent, uninformed, petty, childish and immature people…So mayor… I’m asking you, sir, would you change your position and prove the moral character that I believe you possess,” he concluded.
Diana Griffith, manager of the visitor center in Guernsey, spoke up on Reichert’s behalf. “We receive grants from the tax board to keep the visitor center running. I don’t know everything involved…but just wanted to say Shawna has worked with me very well over the past several years and has gotten us increases starting from $10,000 and now $15,000.
Former council member Kelly Augustyn shared his support for Reichert, stating Reichert has “done excellent for this community. I can’t believe that your job’s (board appointment) in question.”
When the issue of the lodging tax board came up on the council’s agenda at last week’s council meeting, Penny Wells made a motion to appoint Joan Ibarra to represent Guernsey on the lodging tax board. The motion died for lack of a second.
There were no other statements or issues regarding the lodging tax board.
The mayor told the Record-Times on Friday he had no comment on the issue at this time.