The Thayne Town Council Meeting was held on August 20, 2025, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting and adopted the agenda for the current meeting without opposition.

During the meeting, Major Simpson accepted Councilwoman Annie Wright’s resignation due to personal circumstances. Mayor Simpson, “We wish her the best. We’re grateful for her service in the short time that she was here.” Justin Visser was appointed to fill her vacancy, subsequently being sworn in.

Patty Rooney presented the Star Valley Community Fund, a project in the works for over two years, and shared that it is nearing completion. Initiated as “Connecting for a Cause,” the fund aims to unify the 42 identified nonprofits in the valley, helping them become more visible and effective in addressing community needs. The initiative has included educational opportunities and well-attended networking events, with gratitude expressed for the support from the community center for these activities.

Looking forward, the fund has secured a matching grant opportunity from the Wyoming Community Foundation, which will match $10,000 if the community can raise an equivalent amount. This initiative aims to foster sustainable growth for the nonprofits, allowing them to improve their programs and outreach.

The fund will operate under the Wyoming Community Foundation’s governance, handling all financial and administrative aspects, while ensuring that grants are allocated to vetted nonprofits. The committee overseeing this effort, which is flexible in its structure, seeks recommendations for community members who are passionate about supporting fundraising, education, and networking for local nonprofits. The goal is to build a legacy fund that will continue to benefit the valley’s nonprofits for years to come. If you are interested, please reach out to Patty Rooney at 601-953-5350 or email pattikake11@icloud.com.

A developer proposed a new apartment building, discussing necessary permits and impact fees related to water and sewer connections, while the council evaluated the implications of existing utility connections from a former garage. Updates on the community center included plans for a mural, with an artist selected and a design approved, along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned upon completion.

The council also discussed upcoming community events, including the possibility of a Halloween carnival and a winter festival, sharing ideas to engage the community while avoiding overlap with existing events. A financial overview was presented, reviewing the town’s current investments and emphasizing the need for a sound financial strategy, particularly regarding ongoing investments with WyoStar.

Additionally, an AI tool for generating meeting minutes was introduced to improve efficiency and compliance with state regulations, with the council approving the subscription. The meeting concluded with approvals for various checks and motions, underscoring the council’s commitment to transparency and effective governance. Throughout the discussions, the council emphasized community engagement and the importance of supporting local initiatives, ensuring that Thayne continues to thrive as an inclusive and well-managed town.