Golf community mulls incorporation

SHERIDAN -- The Powder Horn golf community at Sheridan is looking at incorporating as a municipality so it can address rising infrastructure costs.

More than 70 Powder Horn residents packed the course clubhouse last week for an informational presentation hosted by the Powder Horn Homeowners Association and Powder Horn LLC, which owns the golf course.

Bob Wyatt, an attorney representing Powder Horn LLC, told residents that initial studies indicate the golf community meets the threshold of eligibility for incorporation.

Wyoming currently has 99 municipalities. The last municipal territory in the state to incorporate was Star Valley Ranch in Lincoln County in 2005.

Incorporation would not change ownership of the golf course and clubhouse, which would remain the property of Powder Horn LLC.

No timeline has been set for applying for incorporation.

Powder Horn Homeowners Association President Rock Sathre told residents that he envisions the new municipal government's role being mostly to fund improvements to the water, sewer and road system.

George Parks, president of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities, told residents that incorporation would allow the proposed town to receive its share of various local tax revenues.

In addition, the new town would be eligible for state and federal grants and loans that could help fund water and sewer improvements, Parks said.

"The biggest advantage to incorporating is access to sources of revenue available to municipalities," he stated.

The homeowners association board plans to prepare additional cost comparisons at its board meeting Sept. 21.

Development ires residents

JACKSON -- A U.S. Forest Service plan to build additional employee housing near a popular Jackson-area trailhead has some residents upset.

The Forest Service hopes to build 26 new residential homes to the area, which already holds 10 homes. Another 20 homes could be built nearby, under the proposal.

Some area residents have protested the plan, saying it would harm their neighborhood and the Putt Putt Trail. About 70 people have signed a petition protesting the development, and a Web site has been created called "Protect the Putt Putt."

The plan still must be approved by the Jackson Town Council and Teton County Board of Commissioners.

Facility loses students, staff

SHERIDAN -- A residential facility for juveniles based in Sheridan has lost many of its students and staff over the past year.

Normative Services Inc. had 150 staff members and about 150 students at this time last year.

But school executive director Bud Patterson said it is now down to 50 staff members and 35 students.

Last month the school laid off 16 staff because of financial problems.

Patterson said the school hopes enrollment will increase and it will be able to rehire staff.

Since last year, the school has lost and regained its contract with the Wyoming Department of Family Services, revamped its admissions policy and reinvested in staff training.