Star Valley Ranch council confirms carryover of two capital projects as cash balances remain strong

The Town of Star Valley Ranch council on Tuesday confirmed consensus to carry two capital projects into the FY2026-27 budget while reporting a stronger-than-expected cash position.

Councilman Bitter said the General Fund had year-to-date revenue of about $2.5 million — roughly $818,000 below budget — and expenses of about $2.0 million, leaving a General Fund cash balance near $1.9 million, approximately $531,000 above budget. The Water Fund showed about $1.9 million in revenue, boosted by $175,000 in unanticipated grant receipts, with a cash balance near $2.2 million. Combined, the town’s cash balance is just over $4 million, about $1.1 million more than budgeted.

On the budget ordinance, Councilman Bitter and the town auditor recommended a timing-only carryover for two capital items: $150,000 for road improvements and $352,000 for the Prater Canyon delivery line. The council treated the action at the work session as a confirmation of consensus before a formal evening vote; Councilman Ellis moved to accept the adjusted third-reading version, Councilman Toolson seconded, and the council recorded four ayes and one abstention (Councilman Merrill).

Mayor Rok and other council members emphasized that the carryover affects only the fiscal timing of the projects and not the town’s overall reserves or policy direction. Council members discussed that capital spending to date was below budget largely because of delayed paving work.

The council also reviewed cash-flow assumptions tied to pending grant awards. Administrator Aitken said the state had approved matching funds contingent on federal grant decisions expected within two weeks; if the federal funds arrive, spending could begin on a reimbursement basis starting July 1.

Next steps: the adjusted ordinance will be forwarded to the regular evening meeting for a formal vote and the council will monitor grant notifications closely.