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Star Valley Ranch budget draft prioritizes roads; council debates Lucky’s Place funding and capital projects
Summary
The Finance Advisory Board presented a FY2026–27 draft budget that increases property tax revenue by about $35,000 (7.5%) and projects total general fund revenue of roughly $2.8 million. Council discussion emphasized increased road maintenance spending, a $500,000 chip-seal capital line, and debated reducing a proposed allocation to Lucky’s Place to $7,500.
The Finance Advisory Board presented the Star Valley Ranch Town Council on March 24 with a draft FY2026–27 budget that uses a 2.5% inflation factor and projects total general fund revenue of about $2.8 million, including a projected 7.5% ($~35,000) rise in property-tax revenue, staff said.
The board recommended shifting labor costs from the water fund to the general fund to prioritize road maintenance. Road maintenance line items rose by roughly $81,000 in the draft, and capital projects include a $500,000 chip-seal allocation and other equipment purchases. General fund capital projects were listed at about $557,000. The water fund shows no base-fee increases and retains usage rates, includes a new $25,000 SCADA contract and continues the previously authorized $1.2 million Prater delivery line project.
Councilmembers debated a proposed initial $15,000 allocation to Lucky’s Place, an animal-control partner, with Councilman Merrill noting the town transports about one dog per month to the provider; after discussion the board discussed reducing the amount to $7,500. Council members emphasized the town’s limited revenue base compared with municipalities that have larger commercial tax rolls.
Staff reported combined cash reserves of about $2.2 million after the proposed expenditures (roughly 6.7 months of operating expenses across funds). The draft also included a $10,000 contingency and 3% merit increases for employees, with no planned headcount increases.
No final budget adoption occurred; the session was a work session for council review and direction to staff.
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