Teton County has passed a resolution affirming the âvalues of diversity, equity and inclusionâ and declaring the county as a whole a âhate free zone.â
âThis is a very important statement of our ideals and our values,â Commissioner Mark Newcomb said during the Teton County Board of County Commissionersâ meeting Tuesday. âIt is a statement, it is a first step, and I look forward to continuing to follow through both in action, word and deed.â
The resolution came about after members of the public showed up at a December town and county meeting to raise questions about former library director Oscar Gittemeierâs unexplained departure. Gittemeier is transgender and, without an explanation from county officials, people wondered whether heâd been fired and whether his gender identity was a factor.
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Starting March 1, wood shake roofs will no longer be allowed on homes in Jackson Holeâs wildland-urban interface.
The Teton County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to prohibit such roofs in forested areas where wildfires are a risk. Fire Marshal Kathy Clay recommended that commissioners approve the measure to make Teton County âa more resilient wildland fire community.â
âWe are stressed here with lots of UV light and very dry conditions,â Clay said. âWe have rain with snow. We have hail. And all of those make a detrimental impact on the fire resistance of a wood shake shingle over time.â
The County Commission talked Thursday about the results of a 2019 employee survey showing a pervasive lack of trust in county elected officials.
The conversation, which came during the boardâs goal-setting retreat, was the first time in over a year that the board had discussed the survey at length.
Some saw that as a problem.
âIt felt like it took an awful long time and somewhat circuitous route to get here,â Commissioner Mark Newcomb said of the discussion about improving the surveyâs low scores.
The News&Guide reported on the survey in October, and County Administrator Alyssa Watkins said then that an update would be presented to the Teton County Board of County Commissioners by Nov. 2.
Water quality, transportation, and diversity, equity and inclusion will be three of the top priorities of the Teton County Board of County Commissioners in 2022.