Afton council tables ordinance to restrict water service outside town limits

The Afton Town Council on Dec. 12 tabled Ordinance 644, a measure that would limit provision of municipal water to properties inside the town and require property owners outside the municipal limits to agree to annexation if the town later requests it.

The ordinance, presented for second reading by Mayor Joel Neuenschwander, would repeal portions of current town code provisions (8-3-02 through 8-3-04) and requires that a property must be annexed before receiving water service except in limited discretionary circumstances when surplus water is available. Town Attorney Dale Cottam told the council he had received complaints filed with the Public Service Commission of Wyoming and reviewed state statutes that govern extending utility systems outside corporate limits during the discussion.

Utility Board Director Larry Lancaster told the council the Utility Board had previously reviewed and approved Ordinance 644 at its Dec. 11 meeting, but the board rejected several related proposals concerning out-of-town rate and connection fee changes. After discussion, Council Member Jason C. Inskeep moved to table the ordinance; Council Member Rick Merritt seconded and the motion carried. The council indicated it will reexamine the ordinance at its January meeting.

The council did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes; motions were noted as "motion carried." The minutes show the council considered legal complaints and state guidance during the discussion but did not finalize policy on the ordinance at the Dec. 12 meeting.