Mayor warns of state legislation threatening town revenue

Sheriff cautions against Second Amendment Protection Act

Workshop set to define 5th penny tax priorities

Main Street project slated for two-year construction timeline

Council approves upsizing water tank at new hangar

High Country Suites to rebrand as White Pine Adventure Inn

Fire department secures grant for wildfire mitigation

Mayor warns of state legislation threatening town revenue

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Pinedale Mayor Matt Murdock expressed "grave concern" regarding Senate File 116, a bill currently before the Wyoming Legislature that would reclassify surface water and stormwater fees as taxes. Murdock told the council that if passed, the legislation would require municipalities to seek voter approval for loans related to water infrastructure, which he argued would complicate funding for essential services. The mayor noted the town had previously litigated this issue in Cooper v. Town of Pinedale, a case establishing such charges as fees rather than taxes, and warned that the new bill could undermine that legal precedent.

Sheriff cautions against Second Amendment Protection Act

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Sublette County Sheriff K.C. Lehr briefed the council on House Bill 130 and Senate File 101, known as the Second Amendment Protection Act, which are currently moving through the state legislature. Lehr stated that while he supports the Second Amendment, the bills in their current form could create legal risks for local law enforcement officers who cooperate with federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA and ATF. The sheriff indicated the legislation could expose officers to civil suits and criminal penalties, potentially hampering joint task force operations essential to county safety.

Workshop set to define 5th penny tax priorities

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The council scheduled a workshop for 3 p.m. March 11 to finalize a priority list for the potential "5th Penny" general purpose tax ahead of a public promotional campaign. Mayor Matt Murdock emphasized the necessity of identifying specific projects the estimated $1 million in revenue would fund to ensure transparency with voters. The workshop aims to produce a clear spending plan that demonstrates how the tax funds would be invested back into the community.

Main Street project slated for two-year construction timeline

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Public Works Director Abe Pearce reported that the Wyoming Department of Transportation's reconstruction of Pine Street (U.S. Highway 191) will likely follow a split construction schedule beginning in fall 2027. Pearce outlined a timeline where utility work would commence first, followed by major road surface work in the summer of 2028. The council discussed the necessity of hosting public workshops to help downtown businesses prepare for significant traffic disruptions during the peak summer tourist season.

Council approves upsizing water tank at new hangar

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The council voted to authorize an additional $22,000 to increase the capacity of a water storage tank at the new Ralph Wenz Field hangar from 50,000 to 70,000 gallons. Officials stated that while the smaller tank met minimum code requirements, the larger vessel will provide superior fire suppression capabilities for the airport and surrounding area. The increased capacity is also expected to assist in lowering Insurance Services Office ratings for approximately 750 homes located within five miles of the airfield.

High Country Suites to rebrand as White Pine Adventure Inn

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The council approved a commercial building permit for a comprehensive renovation of High Country Suites at 1133 W. Pine St., which will be rebranded as the "White Pine Adventure Inn" in partnership with White Pine Ski Resort. A project representative for the ownership group detailed plans for a complete exterior facelift, landscaping upgrades, stormwater improvements and an interior remodel that relocates the breakfast area to the ground floor. The motion passed, with Mayor Matt Murdock abstaining from the vote due to a conflict of interest.

Fire department secures grant for wildfire mitigation

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Sublette County Unified Fire Chief Shad Cooper announced the department received a $127,000 grant from the Colorado River Sustainability Campaign to fund the county's new Wildland Urban Interface mitigation program. Cooper stated the funding will support the work of coordinator Josie Gillette, whose efforts will focus on property assessments and community engagement to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The chief noted that the program aims to lower insurance risks for local homeowners by effectively managing hazardous fuels.

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