Jacob Sharp, Castle Valley Special Service Director, presents tentative budget to commissioners.
By Julie Johansen
Emery Country Clerk/Auditor Brenda Tuttle presented a 2019 tentative budget printout to the commissioners at their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday. She explained that this is required by law and is for consideration before a final adoption.
The budget included a revenue of $9,596,713 from taxes, $53,000 from licenses and permits, intergovernmental, $2,282,667, service charges, $199,200, fines and forfeitures, $423,000, and miscellaneous, $628,000, for a total revenue of $13,182,850. As required, the expenditures must balance. The budget is always available for public view and comment at the clerk’s office.
Jacob Sharp, Castle Valley Special Service Director, also presented a 2019 tentative budget to the commission. It included a projected general fund revenue of $2,670,000, which is slightly higher than 2018. Of course, the general fund expenditures will equal the revenue. The capital project fund revenue was listed as $1,698,700, with expenditures the same. The debt service fund of $1,448,850 balanced with the costs at the same amount. Sharp questioned the money expected from mineral lease money but commissioner Kent Wilson reported this is still under consideration and will be reviewed within the next 30 to 45 days.
Also during the meeting, commissioners approved a contract for new carpet at the Cleveland Library. Mary Huntington and Mike Olsen were then appointed as county representatives for Utah Counties Indemnity Pool, a public agency insurance mutual organized in accordance with the Utah Interlocal Cooperation Act and the Utah Governmental Immunity Act.
Grants for the Working Ranch Horse Event, Emery County Historic Preservation Commission and R Pizza Place were also approved.
Next, Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk requested a tribute plaque for LaMar Guymon honoring his many years of service to the county. Guymon served a 40-year career in law enforcement, including 36 years as the elected Emery County Sheriff.
Commissioner Paul Cowley also spoke on local law enforcement, expressing appreciation for those who handled the situation in Green River in April. This involved a confrontation with a man resisting arrest, resulting in assault on officers.
Commissioner Wilson reported that he attended meetings on the opioid crisis and continues to work with others regarding this issue.