Pinedale local news summary

Town to revise building height rules, potentially lowering residential maximums

Commissioners clash over potential fifth-penny sales tax

Dollar Lake Fire costs covered by dwindling state emergency fund

County may take action on failed hockey rink project

4-H livestock sale shatters records, grossing over $1 million

Town to revise building height rules, potentially lowering residential maximums

PINEDALE, Wyo. - The Town Council gave initial approval to an ordinance that would simplify and change how building height is measured, a move that could effectively lower the maximum height for some new residential homes. Ordinance 733 passed its first reading unanimously. The new definition measures height from the highest point of the structure to the finished grade directly below it, eliminating a complex and confusing formula based on roof types. The change was prompted by ambiguity during the review of the new school district building. Public Works Director Abram Pearce noted that while the change simplifies the code, it would lower the maximum height on a traditional gabled home from a potential 40-foot peak to a strict 35-foot maximum, a consequence the planning commission understood when it recommended the change. The ordinance requires two more successful readings to become law.

Commissioners clash over potential fifth-penny sales tax

SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — A proposal to seek industrial siting impact funds sparked a heated debate among commissioners Tuesday regarding the necessity of a new one-cent sales tax. To qualify for state impact funds related to a major industrial project, the county must have a fifth-penny sales tax in place. Commissioner Doug Vickrey strongly opposed the measure, arguing it would burden taxpayers unnecessarily when the county will eventually receive significant ad valorem tax revenue from the project. Vickrey also criticized the impact funds for “trickling in” monthly, making it difficult to fund large-scale projects like road improvements. Chairman Lynn Bernard countered that critical infrastructure upgrades, such as paving Dry Piney Road, would be a county expense regardless of the funding source. The county is proceeding with an application for the funds, but the decision to place a fifth-penny tax on the ballot would require a future vote.

Dollar Lake Fire costs covered by dwindling state emergency fund

SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — Sublette County’s costs associated with fighting the Dollar Lake Fire will be covered by the state, but the emergency fund used for reimbursement is under strain, Fire Chief Shad Cooper reported Tuesday. Cooper presented a cost-share agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, stating the county’s expenses of approximately $55,000 will be reimbursed through Wyoming’s Emergency Fire Suppression Account. However, he warned that the statewide account, which spent an unprecedented $55 million last year, is once again being heavily depleted by this year’s fire season. Cooper said it will likely require another appropriation from the state legislature to ensure the fund remains solvent for future emergencies.

County may take action on failed hockey rink project

SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — The county may step in to pursue legal action against a contractor responsible for a failed construction project at the Big Piney Hockey Rink after the rink’s support panels collapsed. County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich reported that the project, funded by a grant from the county’s recreation board, failed due to improper installation and the contractor has been unresponsive. Because county funds were used, Melinkovich suggested the Big Piney Hockey Association could assign its rights under the contract to the county. This would allow the county attorney’s office to formally demand the contractor correct the work, ensuring public funds are properly utilized.

4-H livestock sale shatters records, grossing over $1 million

SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — The Sublette County 4-H livestock sale was a record-breaking success this year, grossing $1.022 million, according to a report from the 4-H Extension Office. Staff from the extension office told commissioners that 124 animals were sold at the fair. After commission fees for trucking and other expenses were deducted, over $991,000 went directly back to the local youth who raised the animals. The strong sales and community add-on contributions reflect continued robust support for the county’s 4-H program. The office is also moving forward with interviews to fill the vacant 4-H educator position.

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