JACKSON, Wyo. — Town Councilors and Teton County Commissioners adopted a solution for the $1.5 million budget shortfall at a Sept. 14 joint meeting. The solution was adopted for START for the 2027 Fiscal Year (FY27), which is suffering the shortfall due to federal funding cuts.

Ultimately, $633,638 was approved in service reductions for the upcoming season. $117,000 is expected in fare revenue. To cover the rest, $750,000 of FY27 budget funds was reallocated to START, split 48% from Teton County, 32% from the Town and 20% from partners. The 20% from partners, or $150,000, is not yet committed.

Proposed service reductions for START. Image: Sept. 14 Joint Meeting notes.

START bus rides will also cost $4 each way between Teton Village and the Town of Jackson, an increase from $3 each way. The change will take effect Oct. 1.

During the joint meeting, public comment centered around creating a more durable funding model.

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce CEO Rick Howe agreed. “It’s time to put a group of coalition partners together to talk a little more about a more sustainable funding model,” he said during comment. “Just to say we’re going to keep cutting back on service is probably not something that we as a community should adopt or accept.”

Eventually, the boards directed staff to work with the business community and Teton Village Association on long-term support, develop a proposal for a joint transportation advisory board and regional transportation agency, and work with Wyoming lawmakers on potential changes supporting public transit.

Hannah is a Buckrail Staff Reporter and freelance web developer and designer who has called Jackson home since 2015. When she’s not outside, you can probably find her eating a good meal, playing cribbage, or at one of the local yoga studios. She’s interested in what makes this community tick, both from the individual and collective perspective.