Sublette County Commission Summary
Week of June 17, 2026
Commissioners cut sheriff's vehicle request in split vote
Fire department budget reduced after debate over new tender
Board removes $543,000 motor grader from road and bridge budget
County awards $4.7 million chip seal contract
Fremont Lake dam operating agreement approved
Assessor navigates State Board of Equalization property tax standoff
Six-year aerial mapping contract approved for assessor's office
Phase one of information technology server upgrades approved amid cost concerns
Opioid settlement funds ear acupuncture program
Commissioners cut sheriff's vehicle request in split vote
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — The Sublette County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve the purchase of four new vehicles for the Sublette County Sheriff's Office, halving the department's initial request for eight. Sheriff K.C. Lehr argued the replacements were critical for deputy safety due to mechanical failures, specifically citing what he described as oil leaks and transmission issues in recently purchased Chevrolet models. Two commissioners voted against the measure, with one arguing that the incoming sheriff should make fleet decisions following the upcoming election.
Fire department budget reduced after debate over new tender
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — A request for $773,000 to purchase a new water tender and command vehicle for Sublette County Unified Fire sparked substantial debate over fiscal responsibility. One commissioner opposed the purchase, questioning the necessity of a new tender when the county already has adequate equipment. Ultimately, the commission agreed to remove the expenditure from the general budget and instead put the apparatus out to bid, with any future purchase to be funded strictly through the department's restricted reserve account.
Board removes $543,000 motor grader from road and bridge budget
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — In a 3-2 vote, commissioners removed a $543,672 motor grader from the Sublette County Road and Bridge Department's proposed budget. The cut was championed by one commissioner, who noted that Superintendent Billy Pape had not specifically requested the machinery for this fiscal year. The board agreed that if a mechanical shortfall occurs during the winter, the department can request a budget transfer to cover equipment needs.
County awards $4.7 million chip seal contract
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — The board awarded a $4,728,385 contract to HK Contractors Inc. for the county's 2026 chip seal project. The final contract amount reflects the primary bid for county roads after the Town of Pinedale formally opted out of participating in this year's project. Consequently, commissioners voted to delete a $251,284 alternate bid schedule that would have covered the town's roadwork.
Fremont Lake dam operating agreement approved
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — Commissioners unanimously approved an updated operating agreement for the Fremont Lake dam, finalizing a long-pending negotiation over water storage rights. The agreement outlines the county's requirement to pay the U.S. Forest Service fair market value for submerged land used for water storage. The county's share is estimated at approximately $77 annually for its 120 acre-feet of storage rights, which can potentially be leased to other local entities like the Town of Pinedale.
Assessor navigates State Board of Equalization property tax standoff
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — Sublette County Assessor Laila Illoway briefed the commission on an ongoing dispute with the Wyoming State Board of Equalization, which recently issued a report deeming a legislative 4 percent cap on residential property tax increases unconstitutional. Illoway reported that the state board has refused to certify county valuations that included the cap, sparking a statewide standoff and prompting Governor Mark Gordon to urge an injunction. The county is awaiting further legal direction before proceeding with finalized property tax notices.
Six-year aerial mapping contract approved for assessor's office
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — A new six-year aerial mapping contract with Eagleview was approved at a cost of $173,370 annually. The flights, which will cover the entire county in 2027 and target improved areas in subsequent years, provide updated geographic information system data used extensively by the Sublette County Assessor's Office and the public. Commissioners supported the contract as a vital safety measure, noting it reduces the need for appraisers to physically visit properties where they have faced safety concerns during confrontations with landowners.
Phase one of information technology server upgrades approved amid cost concerns
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — Commissioners approved $185,000 for Phase 1 of the county's information technology capital improvements, aimed at replacing aging data center servers and addressing recent audit requirements. While the board unanimously supported the necessary infrastructure update, several commissioners voiced frustration over the rapidly skyrocketing costs of hardware and what one commissioner described as intentionally short lifespans of modern technology dictated by software companies.
Opioid settlement funds ear acupuncture program
SUBLETTE COUNTY, Wyo. — Sublette County Treatment Court Coordinator Cassie Crumpton reported the successful launch of an ear acupuncture program, funded by $2,165 from the county's opioid settlement funds. The evidence-based "Acudetox" treatment involves placing small needles in the ear to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, cravings and stress. The county recently hosted a training session for 60 participants — the highest attendance in the state — and plans to expand the therapy's availability for local residents.
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