Jackson Struggles to Attract and Keep Public Employees

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — When winter weather conditions closed almost every road in out of Jackson last month, Teton County was left without most of its first responders because they couldn't get to work.

Most of Teton County's public employees live outside the county because the cost of living in Jackson Hole is too expensive.

Only three of the 23 patrol deputies with the Teton County Sheriff's Office live locally. A dozen of the 31 sworn officers of the Jackson Police Department call Teton County home.

Sheriff Jim Whalen says the main problem is the high cost of housing in Jackson Hole.

The town and county help provide rental housing for employees, but it's inadequate and doesn't always meet the needs of the employee.