By Julie Johansen
A public hearing at Tuesday’s Emery County Commission meeting to receive public comment on amending the 2019 E911 Special Revenue Fund Budget gave Sheriff Greg Funk a chance to explain the need for the budget changes.
The funds are available but need to be revised so they can be used to purchase emergency 911 computer equipment. This equipment would computerize the responses needed to help those calling and expedite the time for emergency help. Four other counties are implementing these programs, Funk explained.
Following the sheriff’s explanation and a motion to depart from the public hearing, the amendment was approved. The commission also approved the sheriff’s office to submit an application for the State Task Force Grant for the fiscal year 2020 and a contract with the State of Utah Administrative Office of the Courts for court security to be provided by the Emery County Sheriff’s Office. This is an ongoing contract that creates funding for this security.
A Level III Conditional Use Permit for the Hunter Solar Project was recommended to the commissioners for approval by the planning and zoning committee. The Level II permit had been permitted by planning and zoning but the heavy duty transmission line needed permission by the commission. This permit was approved. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Emery County Trails Committee and Bureau of Land Management Price Field Office regarding the use of the BLM trail cat was approved to be expanded and redone, since the county purchased a Mini-X.
Also during the meeting, business licenses for Kenneth Anderson, General Appliance Repair, and Brooke Ouzts, Blessed Freedom Ranch, were granted by the commission.
Market matching funds for Ferron Peach Days and Huntington Heritage Days in the amount of $3,500 were then approved. Commissioner Kent Wilson reported that the Emery County Travel Council has reached the amounts allowed by the budget so the council will revamp the program with regards to how they spend money.
The commission asked Emery County Attorney Mike Olsen to create an RFD to advertise for a consultant to represent Emery County on public lands issues in Washington, D.C. as well as an individual or consultant to secure Department of Energy Grants for the San Rafael Energy Facility. Both of these positions will be short-term and temporary.
Legal services to represent Emery County in opioid litigation was also approved. The firm recommended was Dewsnup, King, Olsen and Worel. This will help Emery County to move forward with the litigation, which involves seven counties.
The commissioners announced there are many economic opportunities opening up in Emery County at this time and that things are beginning to change. To conclude, Sheriff Funk announced the fundraising triathlon on July 12 and 13.