River ambassador program funding moved to parks levy; residents voice concern over deputy staffing

Teton County officials told commissioners they moved the River Ambassador program funding from the vessel (sticker) fund into the parks and recreation/property-tax levy fund this year. Staff said past years had used vessel-fund balances for the program, but those balances have been largely consumed and the county is now using the levy-funded parks account and some fund balance to finance river-ambassador activities.

Several commissioners and staff reported hearing citizen complaints on the campaign trail that deputies are short-staffed and that river ambassadors have limited enforcement authority. Residents, as described in the meeting, say the priority should be on deputy staffing rather than seasonal river ambassadors; staff acknowledged the perception and said ambassadors are seasonal, paid positions and do not have the enforcement powers of deputies.

Staff noted the program’s cost is modest relative to other budget items but that the change in funding source — from self-funded sticker revenue to a property-tax levy fund — drew public attention. Commissioners said they plan outreach meetings and that the waterways group and the recreation district may be asked for funding support; the waterways group was scheduled to make a presentation at an upcoming meeting and was expected to seek funding from the rec district and other partners.

No formal vote was taken to change program authority; the meeting record shows only a budget reallocation and plans to coordinate further with potential external funders.