Marbleton Council Approves Tax Referendum

by Derek Farr

Mike Coburn, Sublette County’s socioeconomic analyst (SA) from the Sublette Community Partnership, introduced himself to the Marbleton Town Council Monday.

Coburn, replacing Jeff Jacquet as SA, lobbied for the 1-percent special-use tax referendum on this November’s ballot.

The tax is slated to raise $60 million to fund the maintenance of a recreation center in Big Piney and a civic center in Pinedale.

In about three and a half years, when the target of $60 million is achieved, the tax would be terminated. “It’s a short (term) tax with a slight inconvenience for the facilities the county will receive,” Coburn said.

The new tax would cost an average Sublette citizen 30 cents per day, while the energy industry is expected to pick up 94 percent of the tab.

Coburn explained the county should take advantage of the money while it is here.

“If you don’t use it, it’s lost,” he said.

The council adopted a resolution to put the referendum on the ballot.

Coburn also explained he will be conducting a countywide quality of life survey.

“It will help us look at the differences between north and south county,” he said. “(It) will help us understand what kind of changes we can make for the future.”

The survey will begin Monday with face-to-face interviews with county residents.

In other Marbleton town business:

• The town’s road paving continues although it has produced some unintended consequences.

Marbleton resident Sutton Truluck expressed his anger over two pickup trucks racing each other on 3rd Street and Rakestraw Avenue.

Mayor Jim Robinson said community members should stay vigilant and contact the police. Councilwoman Sue Hoefer suggested erecting a stop sign on 3rd and Columbine Avenue.

The council approved the stop sign and an additional two-way stop sign at the corner of 3rd and Rakestraw.

• The town’s water supply was also on the agenda. The council decided to retain County Surveyor Paul Scherbel’s services regarding Green River water rights.

“I think it’s something we need to look into,” Hoefer said.

Councilman Mike Hughes was in agreement as well. He felt the continuing water development in the Colorado River system necessitated the town’s action. Scherbel said the town needs to fill out an application that indicates the amount of water the town wishes to use and a defined route of delivery in order to continue its pursuit of Green River water.