By Julie Johansen
As the Emery County Commission meeting began on Tuesday, a motion was made to enter a public hearing to take public comment on submitting an emergency request to the Community Impact Board (CIB) for funding to upgrade the Utah Power and Light (UP&L) central warehouse building and surrounding properties.
The county purchased the properties in 2019 and is seeking to upgrade the building infrastructure to allow new businesses to be established. These improvements include an electrical boost and natural gas for large machinery. Representatives from the CIB have visited the site and are prepared for the request from Emery County.
After the public hearing closed, a motion was approved to have Commissioner Lynn Sitterud write the application and negotiate the possible terms of the grant.
Other business that came before the commission included yearly renewals granting Questar Gas/Dominion Energy of Utah a franchise for construction, operation and maintenance of a gas distribution in Emery County; the cooperating operating plan between Emery County Sheriff’s Office and USDA Forest Service for law enforcement on the Manti-La Sal National Forest; and a site access agreement between Emery County and PacifiCorp.
Emery County Clerk Brenda Tuttle next reported the 2019 tax sale proceedings to the commissioners. She stated that four parcels were auctioned but only three received bids, which means the remaining property becomes county property. The proceeds were about $3,300 on the three parcels sold. Emery County Treasurer Josie Stilson requested permission to set up payment plans for two parcels of property that have taxes that are five years past due. This procedure was approved.
Market match funding for Green River Melon Days, Green River Car Show, Southeastern Utah Junior Livestock Show, Millsite Golf Course and Kasey’s Pro Shop was approved. These requests were approved by the Emery County Travel Bureau as well as the commissioners. The funds come from the Transient Room Tax (TRT funds) and must be used for advertising.
Emery County’s State Fiscal Year 2020 BEAR Tax Funds plan and a letter of support for Castle Country Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) program were also approved.
Mary Huntington, Emery County Personnel Manager, showed a video about workplace safety from a new program instigated in the county. These presentations will take place on the second commission meeting each month.
