Council finalizes new business license ordinance

Auditor reports strong financial position for Pinedale

Town approves $903,000 contract for wastewater plant design

Town hires engineers to navigate state highway project

Grant application submitted for airport fire suppression system

Airport designated as host site for heavy firefighting helicopter

Airport hangar project faces electrical supply delays

Commissioners pause Pocket Creek Road project over cost and necessity

Fairgrounds renovation bids exceed estimates, project tabled

Public health building renovation costs estimated at $2 million

County to move Veteran Services Office to save on rent

Opioid settlement funds training draws large crowd

Maxim appointed to fair board in split vote

Council finalizes new business license ordinance

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The Pinedale Town Council voted unanimously to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 736, which establishes a universal business license requirement for the town. The new ordinance mandates an initial annual fee of $25 and includes a cap on future increases to prevent sudden rate hikes. During the discussion, Mayor Matt Murdock and Councilwoman Judi Boyce clarified the "de minimis" exemptions to ensure that small-scale operators, such as residents holding yard sales or selling occasional items online, are not subject to the licensing requirement.

Auditor reports strong financial position for Pinedale

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Bryan Brown of Summit West CPA Group presented the fiscal year 2025 audit to the town, issuing an "unmodified opinion" on the financial statements, which is the highest rating available. Brown reported that Pinedale held approximately $11.3 million in cash as of June 30, 2025, with significant reserves allocated for depreciation and emergency funds. The independent audit also confirmed the town's full compliance with federal spending requirements regarding the use of American Rescue Plan and drinking water revolving funds.

Town approves contract for wastewater plant design

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Council members voted unanimously to enter a professional services agreement with Jorgensen Associates for Phase 1 of the wastewater treatment facility project. The contract includes engineering services for the design of a secondary treatment facility intended to meet new ammonia discharge limits. Public Works Director Abram Pearce described the agreement as a critical step in the town's master plan to meet Department of Environmental Quality requirements.

Town hires engineers to navigate state highway project

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The council approved a $20,000 agreement with Jorgensen Associates to assist in coordinating with the Wyoming Department of Transportation on the U.S. 191/Pine Street project. Although the town recently received a $3.3 million grant for the work, officials noted that integrating town infrastructure needs with state blueprints will be complex. The engineering firm will act as the town's representative to help define the scope and direction of the downtown revitalization efforts.

Grant application submitted for airport fire suppression system

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The council authorized a grant application to the State Loan and Investment Board for $742,800 to fund a fire suppression water system at Ralph Wenz Field. The proposed project includes the installation of a 70,000-gallon storage tank and fire pump to support new hangar construction and improve regional firefighting capabilities. Public Works Director Abram Pearce stated that the system could potentially lower insurance ratings for approximately 750 properties within a five-mile radius of the airport.

Airport designated as host site for heavy firefighting helicopter

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Pinedale has been pre-approved as a host site for a regional heavy-lift helicopter program that deploys Type 1 heavy-lift helicopters for wildfire suppression. The council was informed that the airport was selected due to its proximity to U.S. Forest Service land and its capacity to accommodate the large aircraft. Town staff will proceed with negotiating a land use agreement to station the helicopter at the airport during the fire season.

Airport hangar project faces electrical supply delays

PINEDALE, Wyo. — During a monthly update on the new airport hangar construction, town staff reported that while the project remains on schedule regarding costs, electrical components are causing significant challenges. Public Works Director Abram Pearce informed the council that transformers are currently experiencing lead times of up to 12 months. The town is proceeding with electrical designs to finalize orders with Rocky Mountain Power and prevent delays in energizing the new facility.

Commissioners pause Pocket Creek Road project over cost and necessity

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The Sublette County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to pause the Pocket Creek Road realignment project Tuesday after questioning the necessity and rising costs associated with the work. Road and Bridge officials noted the project, which aims to soften a 90-degree corner, has been out for bid with estimates reaching approximately $900,000. Concerns were raised regarding the road's location in swampy terrain and the potential lack of benefit in removing one corner while leaving another. The board directed staff to notify plan holders of the pause while commissioners re-evaluate the project's scope and financial feasibility.

Fairgrounds renovation bids exceed estimates, project tabled

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Bids for the Sublette County Fairgrounds improvement project came in significantly higher than expected, prompting the commission to table the decision until the next meeting. The base bid for infrastructure work, combined with an optional addition for new restrooms, pushed the total project cost to more than $1.2 million — roughly $300,000 over engineer estimates. Members of the board expressed hesitation to support the expenditure given the current economic outlook and potential revenue shortfalls. The commissioners agreed to delay action to review the numbers and determine if the project can be scaled back or phased over time.

Public health building renovation costs estimated at $2 million

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The commission received preliminary cost estimates for potential permanent locations for Public Health, revealing that renovating existing structures could cost nearly $2 million. A county consultant presented data comparing the renovation of the current Public Health facility or the former Wolf's Dodge building against a new build, which could cost upwards of $5 million. Board members expressed surprise at the high renovation costs, noting that buying and retrofitting an older building might rival the cost of new construction. No action was taken as the board continues to evaluate options.

County to move Veteran Services Office to save on rent

PINEDALE, Wyo. — To reduce recurring expenses, the board agreed to explore moving the Veteran Services Office into a county-owned facility formerly used by Road and Bridge. The move was proposed to utilize the facility's existing utilities and internet access while eliminating the monthly rent currently paid for the VSO's commercial space. The commissioners directed staff to coordinate with the VSO officer to ensure the space is suitable for client needs.

Opioid settlement funds training draws large crowd

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Treatment Court Coordinator Cassie Crumpton reported that a recent "Motivational Interviewing" training session funded by the Opioid Settlement Fund drew 55 attendees, far exceeding the five originally anticipated. The training, aimed at local professionals including law enforcement, nurses and Department of Family Services workers, cost the settlement fund $10,000. Crumpton noted that providing this level of training individually would have cost the community over $22,000.

Maxim appointed to fair board in split vote

PINEDALE, Wyo. — In a 4-1 vote, the commission appointed Zachary Maxim to fill a vacancy on the Sublette County Fair Board left by the resignation of Kevin Hughes. Maxim, who previously participated in 4-H for 10 years, told the board he hopes to increase community involvement and focus on the educational aspects of the fair. Four candidates applied for the open seat, which expires Dec. 31, 2026. One commissioner cast a dissenting vote against the appointment.

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