Kent Connelly

The Board of Commissioners conducted its regularly scheduled meeting addressing several key items. Discussions included acknowledging an achievement award for the UW Extension Educator and introducing new county staff. The Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included previous meeting minutes from December 2-3, 2025, and various vouchers. The official county newspaper bid was reviewed, resulting in the approval of the Star Valley Independent for 2026. Several reappointments and new appointments were approved for the Fairboard, Star Valley Community Complex Board, Lincoln County Building Corporation, and Afton-Lincoln County Airport Board. An agreement was approved with High Country Behavioral Health for adult probation services, and a letter of support for the Lincoln County Drug Court Program was authorized. The Commission approved agreements for sewer services in a subdivision and a use agreement with the City of Kemmerer for the South Lincoln Training & Events Center. Letters of support for various 250 Semi Quincentennial applications were approved. The County Grant Writer provided updates on cost estimates for a sewer plant, a SS4A safety planning grant, and the RAISE grant, which involved discussion on expanding rail capacity in the Kemmerer Yard. The Commissioners also discussed the Unmet Housing Grant Program. The Treasurer presented a report on personal property taxes slated for cancellation per state statute. The County audit for FY2025 was presented, with compliments given to the Treasurer's and Clerk's Offices, followed by explanations of the audit reports and findings, including a suggestion for a separate budget for the Debt Service Fund. The meeting concluded with the approval of a comprehensive list of vouchers.

The Board discussed various topics including video recording of meetings, service awards, ongoing projects such as SIRQ Lead and Industrial Siting, employee Christmas bonuses, grant applications for Drug Free Communities and Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, and support for the Town of Cokeville's Semi Quincentennial application. They also reviewed the 2025 Fair report, discussed infrastructure needs, and held a public hearing for liquor license renewals. The board addressed planning agenda items, including vacation of open space, amended plats, and subdivision filings. Finally, board appointments were briefly discussed.

The meeting included updates on various events and ongoing projects, such as the SIRQ meeting, DEQ and Trout Unlimited meeting, Lower Valley Energy meeting, Economic Development and Tourism meeting, SLEDC morning meeting, Terra Power meeting, Western Wyoming Community College Board meeting, and Alpine Mayor meeting on County Road 100. Discussions covered the SIRQ Lead project, OES meetings, Industrial Siting, NEPA, the 250 Semi Quincentennial, and IT and Streaming updates. The commission also discussed a cooperative agreement with the Wyoming Department of Transportation for a road overlay on County Road 207, acceptance of work on the Strawberry Creek realignment project, and a letter of support for Simplot Smoky Canyon Plant with the Bureau of Land Management. Additionally, a resolution accepting the withdrawal of the Lincoln Star Improvement and Service District petition was approved. The Treasurer discussed mill levy distribution to the Kemmerer Senior Citizen Service District, tax refund dollars, North Lincoln Hospital payments, and severance tax. An executive session was held for legal matters.

The Lincoln County Commissioners discussed several key items during their meeting, including updates on economic development, industrial siting projects, and ongoing projects like SIRQ Lead and NEPA. They approved an agreement with the Kemmerer/Diamondville Water and Wastewater Joint Powers Board for a modular sewer facility and accepted the final certificate with WYDOT for FY25 Dust Suppression. Additionally, they approved funds for a freezer replacement at the Afton Senior Center and discussed livestreaming Commission meetings, tasking the IT/GIS Director to present options. The Commissioners also reviewed a proposal from Canyon Road Holdings for land near the Justice Center, which was tabled for further investigation. They discussed transit and rail opportunities, the monthly distribution report, and a request to advance funds to Star Valley Medical Center. The meeting also included discussions on Forest Service Roads, Fairboard activities, and the IDAWY Transfer Station.

The Board of Lincoln County Commissioners convened for a regularly scheduled meeting, during which they acknowledged years of service awards for county employees. They discussed an emergency that occurred in Kemmerer and honored first responders for their lifesaving efforts. Updates were provided on ongoing projects, including the SIRQ Lead, OES meetings, and the topper ceremony for the Courthouse and Justice Center. The board also discussed industrial siting projects and the potential impact of Sublette County's General Penny Tax. Further discussions covered Quantum Energy's withdrawn offer and Star Valley Ranch's application for funds related to the 250 Semi Quincentennial. The board approved amendments to a grant agreement with CLIMB Wyoming, an agreement with Enbridge for a gas line to the Justice Center, and an MOU with the Wyoming Judicial Branch for counsel tables. Additionally, they approved a letter of response to the BLM on the Rock Springs RMP Amendment, a letter of support for Star Valley Ranch's 250 Semi Quincentennial application, and a contract with the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources for the celebration in Lincoln County. An MOU with the Town of Alpine for maintenance on County Road 100 was also approved. The board reviewed and approved vouchers. The board also approved an agreement between the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Lincoln County for the CMAQ program. They also discussed the Lower Valley Energy 1 MW Solar Array and a simple subdivision project, tabling both until future meetings. Clarification was provided on commercial and residential solar or wind generation permitting processes.