By Julie Johansen
Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance at the Emery County Commission Meeting Tuesday, a public comment session was opened. Two members of the county library board questioned the commissioners about the delay in the appointment of a county library director. The duo was also concerned about the decrease in the number of employees in the county library system. They then remarked on concerns about the part-time librarians being expected to also do janitorial work at the various libraries. Finally, the members reported that the total number of visits at all the libraries for the past year exceeded 72,000. They then requested help from the commissioners to address these areas of concern.
Next, ratifications were approved for grant applications and letters of support that have previously been submitted by the county recreation department and Orangeville City. Also ratified was the LSTA grant in the amount of $4,200 to promote libraries and the Trail Mountain Fire NRCS funding to be used on the Forest Service lands. Two payment contracts for real property delinquent taxes were also approved as long as the repayment is completed by Nov. 30.
Discussion began on money received by wildfire fighting by a number of fire departments in the fire district of the county. Fire chiefs within the county had previously voted that 100% of the proceeds received should go to the city responding. This matter was tabled until the memorandum of understanding with the fire district and the cities could be studied along with the record keeping of the county and cities to see who has been doing the maintenance and purchase of new equipment needed by the fire district.
When the elected officials gave their reports, county attorney Mike Olsen reported that sheriff Greg Funk was in Reno to attend the Western Sheriffs’ Convention.
Commissioner Kent Wilson responded to the public comments made earlier in the meeting. He said that they have been trying to get things right the first time and have taken time trying to do so. He also told the library board that they are analyzing expenses county-wide as the funds have diminished.
Commissioner Gil Conover announced a celebration assembly on March 20 at Emery High at 2 p.m.
