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Afton council backs Lower Valley Energy pipeline, unanimously passes ordinances and policy update
Summary
The Afton Town Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing Lower Valley Energy’s proposed natural gas pipeline and adopted several measures including a policy manual replacement, a voluntary annexation ordinance, and a second reading of the town budget for FY 2025–26.
Mayor Jeff Jensen presided over a unanimous vote by the Afton Town Council on May 13 to endorse Lower Valley Energy’s plan to bring natural gas to Afton and Star Valley and to adopt several town governance and land-use measures.
Senator Dan Dockstader asked the council to support the pipeline project, saying Lower Valley Energy has been trucking gas—“up to two trucks per day” in winter—and that a pipeline from Opal through Montpelier and Crow Creek would provide a more sustainable local supply. The council agreed to draft and adopt Resolution 2025-03 endorsing the company’s efforts; Council Member Michael Butler moved to adopt the resolution and the motion carried unanimously.
The council also approved Resolution 2025-02 adopting an updated Policy and Procedures Manual. Council Member Scott Griffith moved for adoption; the motion passed unanimously. In a package of ordinances the council advanced local land-use and fiscal items: Ordinance 694 (voluntary annexation) passed on third and final reading; Ordinance 695 (rezoning between Agricultural/Conservation/Recreation and General Commercial) passed on second reading; and Ordinance 696, the annual budget and appropriation for fiscal year July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, was approved on second reading pursuant to Wyoming Statute 16-4-104. All votes were unanimous.
What this means: the pipeline endorsement signals municipal support while the town advances routine governance and land-use steps for upcoming implementation and planning. Ordinance 696 remains on second reading and therefore will require further procedural steps before final adoption. The council’s actions were unanimous and included motions authorizing the mayor to execute a limited affidavit related to open-space lots and routine scheduling changes.
Votes at a glance (as recorded at the May 13 meeting): Resolution 2025-03 (endorsement of Lower Valley Energy pipeline) — motion by Council Member Michael Butler; outcome: approved unanimously. Resolution 2025-02 (Policy and Procedures Manual) — motion by Council Member Scott Griffith; outcome: approved unanimously. Ordinance 694 (voluntary annexation) — passed on third reading; outcome: approved unanimously. Ordinance 695 (rezoning) — passed on second reading; outcome: approved unanimously. Ordinance 696 (FY 2025–26 budget) — passed on second reading pursuant to Wyoming Statute 16-4-104; outcome: approved unanimously.
Next steps: The pipeline endorsement is a statement of municipal support and does not itself authorize construction; subsequent permitting and intergovernmental approvals would be required. Ordinance 696 will return for its next required reading before final adoption.
