Teton County public works items took center stage July 15 as the Board of County Commissioners approved two road‑vacation matters, authorized construction of a grooming and equipment storage facility funded by local non‑profits, and cleared funds for a Law Enforcement Center (LEC) HVAC overhaul.

Road vacations: The board voted to vacate a county road segment that provided remote access to a gated subdivision developed by Driggs Acquisition LLC (Tributary). Public‑notice requirements were met and staff recommended vacation because the road lies within private property and county maintenance has been minimal; the board voted to remove the road from the county map and directed public works and the civil deputy prosecutor to prepare recorded findings. The board also voted to support and record findings that finalize a road realignment and vacation approved in December 2020 for the Pack Saddle Bench area.

Grooming facility contract: The board awarded the construction contract for a grooming garage and equipment storage facility at the Buxton property to Teton West as the apparent low bidder, not to exceed $479,750. The building will be paid for by two nonprofits (Teton Valley Trails & Pathways and District 33 Snowmobile Grooming District) through grant and in‑kind match funds; the board approved moving forward with the award and required long‑term lease documentation and agreements to come back for execution. The board and county staff noted timing constraints tied to a state grant that must be invoiced by May 2026.

LEC HVAC: The county authorized up to $250,000 from remaining cash to replace the HVAC (compressor/configuration) at the Law Enforcement Center. Staff said the project must start quickly to order equipment and complete the system before winter and provided a brief project timeline.

Other public works highlights: Director Daryl Johnson reported a strong chip‑seal season, better productivity from newly purchased equipment and several new short‑term equipment leases (e.g., loaders) that explain part of the increase in lease obligations reported in the audit. Public works also reviewed capital leases (new graders and heavy equipment) and described plan to remove two underground fuel tanks from the Buxton site for the grooming facility build.

The board instructed staff to prepare findings, contract documents and lease language for subsequent review and execution.