Pinedale local news summary

Council pushes for 1 percent sales tax on future ballot

Sheriff reports increase in abandoned animals

Town awarded $882,000 grant for pathway expansion

Downtown park to get lights, power for food trucks

Town reduces number of unknown water lines, finds no lead

Future of search and rescue helicopter contract debated

Major subdivision plan near Pinedale terminated

Ice arena finances and operations under review

PAC competition pool faces two-week shutdown for repairs

Council pushes for 1 percent sales tax on future ballot

PINEDALE, Wyo. - The Pinedale Town Council unanimously passed a resolution Monday requesting that Sublette County Commissioners place a 1 percent general purpose optional sales tax, often called the “fifth penny,” on an upcoming election ballot. The move is tied to eligibility for industrial impact assistance funds related to Blue Spruce Operating LLC’s Dry Piney Helium & Carbon Sequestration Project in Sublette County. Mayor Matt Murdock stated that without the tax in place, those funds would be allocated to neighboring counties. He added that the fifth penny would nearly double the town’s general fund revenue, providing much-needed money for road maintenance and other projects whose costs have risen sharply. If passed by voters, Murdock estimated the tax would cost the average resident an additional $275 per year.

Sheriff reports increase in abandoned animals

PINEDALE, Wyo. - The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office is seeing a significant increase in abandoned animals, particularly kittens, Sheriff K.C. Lehr reported to the council during his monthly update. Lehr stated that his deputies are working closely with the town’s animal control officer to handle the issue. He noted a specific problem with people abandoning cats on the mesa outside of town, where they have begun to multiply.

Town awarded $882,000 grant for pathway expansion

PINEDALE, Wyo. - Pinedale has been awarded an $882,000 state grant to fund the first phase of its Pathway Connectivity Project, town staff announced Monday. The project will require a local match of $92,700. Phase one will create a new eight-foot-wide, lighted pathway starting at the Sublette County Library, running south through Boyd Skinner Park, crossing the Harmony Bridge and ending at American Legion Park. The project replaces an existing, older path. According to the state’s timeline, construction is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2027.

Downtown park to get lights, power for food trucks

PINEDALE, Wyo. - A new park in downtown Pinedale is moving into its next phase of development, which will include new lighting, electrical outlets for food trucks and a pergola, the council discussed Monday. Responding to a citizen’s question about new poles installed in the “old town” area, the mayor confirmed they are for lights in the developing park space. The back portion of the lot, previously leased out, will be incorporated into the park at the end of October. Future plans also include permanent restrooms.

Town reduces number of unknown water lines, finds no lead

PINEDALE, Wyo. - Pinedale has successfully identified the material of nearly 50 previously unknown water service lines over the past year and has found no lead service lines within the town, according to an update provided by staff. The town reduced its number of “unknown” lines from 131 to 82 through records research and field verification. Staff plans to replace approximately 25 of the remaining unknown lines, which are located under Pine Street, during the 2028 highway project. The town is also preparing to apply for a share of a $50 million state fund to help identify and, if necessary, replace the remaining lines.

Future of search and rescue helicopter contract debated

SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — With the Sublette County Search and Rescue’s five-year exclusive-use helicopter contract set to expire, commissioners held a lengthy discussion on the program's future. Search and Rescue Coordinator Kenna Tanner reported the contract with Rugged Mountain Aviation costs approximately $420,000 annually for standby services, plus an hourly operational fee of $2,750. Tanner advocated for renewing the contract, highlighting the dramatic increase in visitors to the Wind River Range and the helicopter’s critical role in life-saving missions in terrain difficult for other aircraft. Commissioners questioned the high cost and explored alternatives, such as renting Teton County’s helicopter at $4,000 per hour, but acknowledged the lack of guaranteed availability. The board took no action but will consider a contract extension in a future meeting.

Major subdivision plan near Pinedale terminated

SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — The developer of the proposed 40 Rod West subdivision has terminated the project, and the Sublette County Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved reverting the land back to its original agricultural zoning. At the request of Moyes Family Homes, the termination was approved for a 299-acre parcel located near the intersection of Pape Road and Highway 191. The developer told commissioners the project was "no longer feasible" after hitting multiple "roadblocks." The plan, which would have created dozens of rural residential lots, had been in the preliminary plat stage of the county’s approval process.

Ice arena finances and operations under review

SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — The Sublette County Ice Arena’s budget and revenue generation were closely examined by commissioners Tuesday. A quarterly review showed a $17,000 increase in expenditures compared to the same period last year. A comparative analysis presented at the meeting showed the Pinedale facility generates approximately $40,000 in annual revenue, significantly less than arenas in Casper and Sheridan. Commissioners and staff discussed reasons for the disparity, including population differences and affordable ice time fees. Maintenance Superintendent Andre Irey and arena staff outlined new initiatives to boost revenue, including a statewide skills competition, an "Ice Box" curling-style family game and hosting a junior hockey exhibition game.

PAC competition pool faces two-week shutdown for repairs

SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — The competition pool at the Pinedale Aquatic Center (PAC) will be shut down for approximately two weeks for necessary repairs to its surge tank, PAC Director Amber Anderson announced at Tuesday's meeting. Anderson said the maintenance is being scheduled between swim seasons to minimize disruption to swim teams and other user groups. The exact dates for the closure are being finalized with the repair crew. The shutdown is required to ensure the long-term integrity of the pool’s circulation and filtration system.

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