By Julie Johansen
On Tuesday, the Emery County Commissioners approved an ordinance adopting the Hunter Solar Plan and Budget. This ordinance gives the solar company a 50 percent tax incentive to create the 100 megawatt facility.
Approval was also given to Hunter Solar for a gen-tie level 3 conditional use amendment necessary because a golden eagle nest was found on the original site. Therefore, the plans had to move four miles south and east, terminating the original easement and recording a new one. This had been supported by the planning and zoning board.
The commissioners then ratified the signature authority to Robert Jensen, Emery County Again Director of Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments, for the Utah Department of Transportation Public Transit Team Grant Award and Management Property. The awards were granted for all businesses on the list.
A three-year lease on a backhoe/loader for the Emery County road department was approved, changing it from a two-year lease to a three-year lease agreement. Mary Huntington was appointed to be the representative to the Utah Counties Indemnity Pool with Mike Olsen as the alternate.
Representatives from the Emery County Care and Rehabilitation board told the commissioners there was an emergency situation in regard to the management and operational services at the care center. They stated that Traditions Health Care has provided different roles over the past several years, but they are not sure where they stand now. The commission, with Emery County Attorney Olsen’s advice, tabled the motion and scheduled an immediate work meeting to have an in-depth discussion with the control company and get the accounts receivable in order.
During the comments from the elected officials, Commissioner Gil Conover reported that Carbon County believes that almost $300,000 was given to Emery County that should have gone to Carbon County. The formula used to distribute the money has not been used correctly since 2016. The commissioners believe that they can meet that obligation but that would freeze payments to the county entities until this is paid. Carbon County told them if paid by Dec. 3 of this year no interest would be charged.
Commissioner Kent Wilson sent sympathies to the Engleman family at the passing of Philip Engleman, Green River’s Fire Chief and EMS member.