Afton council passes FY2016–17 budget ordinance on second reading; final vote set for June 14

The Afton Town Council passed Ordinance 635, the annual appropriation for fiscal year July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, on second reading during its May 10 meeting. Councilman Jerry Hansen moved to pass the ordinance on second reading; Councilman Rick Merritt seconded, and Mayor Joel Neuenschwander voted in favor. The motion carried.

The council scheduled a budget workshop for May 25, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. at Afton Town Hall to review proposals and gave public notice that the final reading of the fiscal year budget will occur at the regular council meeting on June 14, 2016. Town Administrator Hyun Kim presented the financial statements for the period ending April 30, 2016, and told the council reserve depreciation accounts have been set up to receive annual transfers at fiscal year close.

Councilmembers raised a handful of possible projects for inclusion in the budget; the council did not adopt additional appropriations at the May 10 meeting and left program funding decisions (including a $2,000 funding request from Star Valley Samaritans and a $1,500 request from the Star Valley Chamber of Commerce) to budget deliberations.

The council also approved a $3,000 appropriation to place flower planters on Main Street, with participating businesses agreeing to help water and maintain the planters. Hyun Kim said businesses had expressed willingness to assist with upkeep. The council noted other items — including a proposed sewer rate structure change — would be discussed at future meetings.

The council adjourned after reconvening from an executive session; no budget action was taken in executive session.