By Julie Johansen
The recent Emery County Commission meeting opened with the annual public hearing for Four Corners Community Behavioral Health regarding mental health and substance abuse disorders. Comments from the audience stated their thankfulness for the work of Four Corners in Emery County as well as Carbon and Grand counties. Emery County Attorney Mike Olsen also was appreciative of the changes from Four Corners to keep up with the changes in the judicial system.
“Anyone can end up with drug or substance abuse problems but getting over them is the amazing thing,” Commissioner Kent Wilson said.
Following the close of the public hearing, a cooperative agreement between Emery County and Utah State Parks was approved for signing. This will allow the state parks to upgrade the Millsite campground while equipment is on site repairing areas damaged by the rehabilitation of the dam. State Parks will handle the funds needed to make the improvements.
Mary Huntington, Personnel Director for Emery County, announced a new safety incentive program for non-elected employees of the county. This would mean that if the county had a month with no damage claims, a drawing would be held and employees could win $100 gift certificates. One certificate would be awarded to part-time employees, three to full-time employees, two of those going to those employees who work in hazardous jobs. This would be handled by the risk management group and is scheduled to begin the third week of March. The commissioners approved this program.
Carole Larsen, county librarian, received approval for an amendment governing board members, a library card policy, fees and fines policy, to apply for LSTA grant and awarding CLEF funding.
Following the scheduled agenda items, commissioners decided to pursue the sale of the HUD housing apartments in Castle Dale, giving priority to Four Corners Mental Health.
