Teton County directs staff to pursue MOU for proposed Gros Ventre volunteer fire station

Teton County commissioners on March 9 directed staff to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the Friends of the Gros Ventre Fire Station to explore a volunteer fire and EMS station on county land at 947 Sand Cherry Way.

Fire Chief Mike Moyer outlined a feasibility assessment showing the proposed station would reduce response times in the North Gros Ventre area and improve the number of address points reachable within eight minutes by about 11 percent. Jim Raimo, a director of the Friends group, told commissioners the organization expects to raise $8,000,000 in private donations to fund design and construction and that the group has already approached individuals and homeowners’ associations.

Raimo said the station’s design includes three drive‑through apparatus bays, housing for personnel and volunteers, and space for an ambulance and a water tender. Rocky Barber, a board director on the Friends team, said a construction estimate for building costs (excluding soft costs) is roughly $6.7 million, with soft costs expected to push the fundraising target toward $8 million.

Deputy Chief Bridal Coe of Jackson Fire/EMS described staffing scenarios: the presenters recommended initially standing the station up as a volunteer operation with 8–10 volunteers, using on‑site housing and residency programs to improve recruitment and retention. A fully staffed model would require 3–4 career personnel and was estimated to add $1.1 million to $1.4 million in annual operating costs, the presenters said. The Friends group noted startup expenses of about $1,737,098 and said any fundraising above $8 million could be directed toward startup or ongoing support.

Attorney Sarah Van Genderen and county staff said a draft MOU is already in progress; county counsel and staff asked the board for high‑level direction rather than immediate approval of final terms. Commissioner Gardner asked for clarity about whether donors’ contributions could be used for operations or would be limited to capital; presenters said excess funds could be used for operations or equipment if donations exceeded building costs.

Stefan Fodor, attorney for Walton Ranch (4W LLC), warned in a separate discussion about Parcel 910 that the county should be willing to make parallel commitments if it seeks more rights from adjacent landowners. That point underscored commissioners’ repeated requests that staff return with clear MOU language and options for the board to consider.

Rather than take a final vote, the board agreed to direct staff to continue negotiating the MOU and return with an action item; staff and counsel indicated the workshop guidance was sufficient for next steps. Commissioners and presenters said public comment will be taken if an action item is scheduled for approval.

The next steps identified were: county staff to finalize an MOU draft with the Friends group, present options on volunteer versus staffed operations and associated costs, and identify funding and operational commitments required of the county before any formal adoption.

Questions that remain include whether the station will open as volunteer, hybrid, or fully staffed; how startup costs will be funded beyond the Friends’ pledge; and how long‑term operations would be sustained within the county budget.