Craig Blake

The budget meeting included a bid opening for the Redmond Lake Field Road Overlay, with Hales Sand & Gravel identified as the apparent low responsible bidder, pending review. The Board subsequently approved the award of the contract to Hales Sand & Gravel. Financial review included discussion of encumbered projects and state mineral lease funds, followed by approval of the 2025 financials. Invoices from engineering, road department, and other vendors for various projects, including design, construction management, inspection, and material testing, were approved. Current project discussions covered the completion of the Glenwood 600 South project, material sourcing and crushing for the 1300 S. project, pavement preservation, progress on the Cemetery / Black Knoll work, preparation for the Redmond Field Road Overlay, and detailed updates on the Quitchupah Road project, focusing on coring results and potential funding sources like CIB.

The agenda for the Sevier County Commission meeting includes action items such as considering the Amended Central Valley Interlocal Road Maintenance Agreement and recommendations for new hires. The meeting also schedules three public hearings: one to consider amending Sevier County Code Title 7 (Traffic Code, Chapter 71 Recreational Vehicles); a second to amend Sevier County Code Title 5 (Public Works, Chapters 51 and 52 concerning roads); and a third to amend the 2026 budget for fund transfers between the Landfill Fund, Class B Road Fund, and General Fund. Other items include considering the Vendor Management Contract for the 2026 Sevier County Fair, actions on surplus requests for personal property and a specific parcel (Parcel 2-A2D-24), setting a date for a public hearing regarding the General Plan amendment for Water Use and Conservation, and considering the Sevier County Privacy Program Policy.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous re-election of Commissioner Johnson as Chairman for 2026 and the decision to maintain existing commission assignments. Key discussions included research by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition into establishing a west coast port for coal shipments, and an update from a CIB meeting confirming full funding for approved projects. The Commission approved various appointments and re-appointments to County districts and Boards, including members for the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, Accident Review Board, Austin Special Service District Board, Economic Development Board, and Travel Advisory Board. The Jail Physician Assistant Contract fee was increased by $200 per month, and a new hire, Jan Moore, was approved as a part-time Senior Nutrition Cook. Beer license renewals for three establishments were approved. The Commission reviewed the County Privacy Program Policy but took no immediate action pending necessary corrections. An Engineering Feasibility Study Agreement with Horrocks Engineers LLC for a potential rail service near Big Rock Candy Mountain was approved, contingent on a viability site visit. The updated Sevier County Sheriff Office Emergency Operation Plan was accepted. Recommendations from the Tourism Advisory Board, including a new billboard mockup and revisions to the event pre-approval application process, were approved. Finally, three public hearings regarding amendments to the County Code (Traffic, Public Works/Roads) and a budget transfer were set for January 26, 2026.

The primary discussion focused on proposed changes to the water element within the General Plan, specifically addressing water use and preservation measures. The Commission expressed significant concerns regarding wording that suggested restrictions on water for future development and existing water use. Further concern was noted regarding a state legislature bill requiring water updates overseen by the County, which might infringe upon municipal water authority and appears to be a State mandate intended to force conservation toward the Great Salt Lake. The engineering firm representative agreed to forward the proposed plan for review, noting the Commission had the option to implement, amend, or reject it.

The meeting included a review of expiring board member terms requiring discussion on re-appointments. A public hearing was held to consider opening the 2025 budget for adjustments, which were subsequently approved. The Commission approved a property purchase agreement for parcels in the Flat Canyon area for flood basin maintenance and improved county access. Several items were declared surplus and authorized for disposal. Agreements were approved with Artists and Attractions LLC for a Fair activity and with the State of Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation for bike path funding. The Commission deferred action on a funding request from Monroe Canal Company pending further engineering review. The Sheep Valley Major Subdivision received final approval after receiving Forest Service clearance for road access. Further actions included ratifying an agreement with CIGNA Healthcare for out-of-network medical services, approving Assessor Adjustments to exempt parcels purchased by the Sevier School District, approving tax overpayment refunds, and approving an advertising agreement with Reagan Outdoor Advertising. The Commission deferred action on a Tourism Advisory Board recommendation pending billboard design finalization, and approved amended Interlocal Road Maintenance Agreements with Salina City and Glenwood Town.