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Council amends FY26–27 budget to require contract for Lucky's Place payment, approves first reading 3–2
Summary
On a 3–2 vote, the council amended the FY26–27 appropriation ordinance to cut $6,300 from the general fund and require that payments to Lucky's Place be made under contract; the first reading of the budget ordinance as amended passed 3–2 amid debate over road funding reallocations.
The Star Valley Ranch Town Council on April 14 amended the proposed FY26–27 appropriations ordinance to reduce the general fund operating budget by $6,300 and require that payments to Lucky's Place (the Animal Human Association of Star Valley) be provided under contract rather than as an appropriation.
Councilman Ellis moved the amendment to remove $6,300 from the general fund for what he described as an unsubstantiated payment to Lucky's Place; Councilman Bitter seconded. Councilman Merrill argued the payment represented payment for Special Municipal Officer (SMO) services and that Lucky's had previously not received full contracted payments during COVID, while Mayor Rok cited Wyoming State Constitution Article 3 Section 36 to note limits on appropriating public funds for charitable purposes without a contract or invoice. The amendment passed 3–2 with Councilman Ellis, Councilman Bitter and Mayor Rok voting aye and Councilman Merrill and Councilman Toolson voting no.
Councilman Ellis then moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2026‑05 as amended; Councilman Bitter seconded. The ordinance first reading passed 3–2 with Merrill and Toolson opposed. During budget discussion, residents and board members questioned a reallocation of approximately $102,000 in salaries from the water budget to roads; Councilman Bitter said this reflected shifting personnel from last year’s water projects to road projects this year. Councilman Merrill said she had insufficient detail about which roads would be improved and urged more information before final approval.
Why it matters: The amendment tightens the town’s payment process to require a contract for services to nonprofits and highlights internal disagreement over budget transparency and road spending priorities. The first reading does not enact the budget — it advances the ordinance for later consideration.
The council approved the budget ordinance on first reading as amended; further hearings or readings are expected before final adoption.
