Emery County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Emery County Commission works through budget sessions; no outcomes yet published

Emery County commissioners spent much of the past two weeks in budget sessions, closing with a review of tentative 2027 budgets for the county and the Castle Valley Special Service District. Agendas for the Oct. 12 through Oct. 20 meetings were published, but minutes had not been posted as of Oct. 26, so no votes, final figures or outcomes are confirmed in the public record. What follows is drawn from those agendas.

Budget sessions, department by department

The Oct. 12 agenda listed discussions with Road/Landfill, Weed & Mosquito, Treasurer/Recorder, Public Lands and Justice Court, and the Aquatic Center, Assessor and Travel/Museum. The Emery County Attorney's Office budget was the subject of an Oct. 13 meeting.

The Oct. 14 schedule listed five sessions: 11:00 a.m. Attorney, 11:30 a.m. Sheriff, 1:00 p.m. Personnel, 2:00 p.m. IT and 3:00 p.m. Library.

On Oct. 19 the commission was set to review tentative budgets and work on final budgets. The agenda stated that no specific department presentations would take place at that meeting.

The Oct. 20 agenda listed the 2027 tentative budget for Emery County and the 2027 tentative budget for the Castle Valley Special Service District. Also listed were monetary donation requests for American Legion Posts and the Veteran Memorial in Orangeville; an amendment to Resolution No. 9-1-26A regarding State PILT Funds disbursement; and a memorandum of understanding between Emery County, Green River Medical Center and the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments. No dollar amounts appeared in the agenda materials.

Planning and Zoning: solar ordinance and a subdivision

The Emery County Planning and Zoning Commission met Oct. 14 with the Joe Murdoch Minor Subdivision and a solar ordinance on its agenda. The commission was also scheduled to review minutes from its Sept. 9, 2026, meeting. The agenda did not state what action, if any, was taken.

Airport board: layout plan draft and manager retirement

The Huntington 69V Municipal Airport Advisory Board met Oct. 13 to review a rough draft of the Airport Layout Plan. The agenda also listed discussion of the airport manager's retirement and future responsibilities, hangar ground lease and tenant contracts, the SPCC Plan, and Emery County holding right of way for airstrips.

Public test of ballot counting equipment

The Emery County Clerk/Auditor issued a public notice for logic and accuracy testing of election ballot counting equipment on Oct. 13 at 9:00 a.m. at the Emery County Courthouse, 75 E Main Street, Castle Dale, Utah. The notice described the demonstration as intended to certify the accuracy of the machines to be used in the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election.

Coming up

Nov. 3 — General Election. A county voter notice lists Election Day polling at the Emery County Courthouse from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mail-in ballots were to be sent Oct. 13. In-person voting was listed as available Oct. 20 through Oct. 30. Ballot drop boxes were listed at libraries in Emery, Ferron, Clawson, Orangeville, Huntington, Cleveland, Elmo and Green River. The item was filed as a voter notice rather than a meeting agenda.

No other meetings were listed for the next 14 days in the materials provided.

Emery County agendas: library renovation contracts, a deputy hire, solar rules and budget reviews

Agendas for more than a dozen Emery County meetings between Oct. 5 and Oct. 14 listed library renovation contracts, a new deputy hire, solar energy rules and a full round of department budget reviews. Minutes have not been published for any of those meetings in the records supplied, so this roundup describes what was scheduled rather than what was decided.

Library renovation contracts and a deputy hire

The Emery County Commission's Oct. 6 agenda, for a 3:00 pm meeting at 75 E Main Street in Castle Dale, listed a consent item hiring Gordon Kelten Larsen as a full-time Deputy I, wage Grade 16 at $26.40 per hour with full benefits.

The same agenda listed contracts with Nichols Construction Group, LLC DBA Nichols Remodeling and Construction for the Huntington Library and Castle Dale Library Renovation and Improvement Projects. No dollar amounts are listed in the agenda for those contracts. Other items included an MOU between Emery County Archives and Emery County SSD#1 for record digitization services, an MOU between the Emery County Travel Bureau and Emery County EMS SSD regarding use of TRT funds, and an agreement with SHERPA for social media marketing from the TRT marketing budget.

Solar ordinance: public hearing and planning review

A public hearing on the draft Emery County Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems Ordinance was set for Oct. 5 at the Emery County Administration Building, 75 East Main Street, Castle Dale. The hearing was for public input only, with no decision scheduled; oral and written comments were to be accepted, and the draft was available at the County Clerk/Auditor's office and online.

The Planning and Zoning Commission's Oct. 14 agenda listed the solar ordinance and the Joe Murdoch Minor Subdivision, along with review of minutes from the Sept. 9, 2026 meeting.

Solar project appeal update

The Commission's Oct. 8 agenda listed an update on appeals for the Drunkard's Wash Solar Project Level II conditional use permit. That agenda also listed the SHERPA marketing agreement, contracts with UAC for Commercial Valuation and Commercial BOE Services, recommended 2026 Board of Equalization adjustments, and a commission adjustment for Israel Kolar.

Property assessment appeals

The Commission was to meet in special session Oct. 6 at 1:30 p.m. acting as the Emery County Board of Equalization, with a single substantive item: discuss, approve or deny 2026 BOE adjustments, which concern property valuation appeals. The meeting at 75 E Main Street in Castle Dale was also open online via Zoom, passcode Emery, with ADA accommodation requests directed to (435) 381-3570. A second Board of Equalization item appeared on the Oct. 8 agenda.

Department budget meetings

Budget sessions were scheduled Oct. 12 with Road/Landfill, Weed & Mosquito, Treasurer/Recorder, Public Lands and Justice Court, and Aquatic Center, Assessor and Travel/Museum. The County Attorney's Office budget was set for Oct. 13. On Oct. 14, the schedule listed the Attorney at 11:00 a.m., Sheriff at 11:30 a.m., Personnel at 1:00 p.m., IT at 2:00 p.m. and Library at 3:00 p.m.

Airport board, trails and public lands

The Huntington 69V Municipal Airport Advisory Board's Oct. 13 agenda listed a review of the Airport Layout Plan rough draft, discussion of the airport manager's retirement and future responsibilities, hangar ground lease and tenant contract discussions, the SPCC Plan, and Emery County holding right of way for airstrips.

The Trails Committee was scheduled for Oct. 6, 8:00 to 9:00 AM, at 75 East Main Street and via Zoom, to approve September 2026 minutes and hear BLM, Forest Service, state agency, Commission, and Travel Bureau and Public Lands reports. The posted agenda lists no action items, contracts, dollar amounts or public hearings. The next Trails meeting is listed as Nov. 3, 2026.

The Public Lands Council's Oct. 6 agenda listed discuss/approve/deny work on the White Dugway Update, a presentation by Ben Grimes on mining and water, and agency reports from the BLM, Manti-La Sal National Forest and Utah Trust Lands Administration.

Election equipment testing

The Emery County Clerk/Auditor issued a public notice for logic and accuracy testing of election ballot counting equipment on Oct. 13 at 9:00 a.m. at the Emery County Courthouse, 75 E Main Street, Castle Dale, for machines to be used in the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election.

Coming up

The Emery County Commission meets Oct. 19 for a budget work meeting to review tentative budgets and work on final budgets. The agenda states no specific department presentations will take place. A meeting location is not listed in the supplied record. The Trails Committee next meets Nov. 3, 2026.

Emery County roundup: solar ordinance hearing, library contracts, deputy hire fill two weeks of agendas

Emery County boards posted agendas over the past two weeks covering a public hearing on a utility-scale solar ordinance, library renovation contracts, a new sheriff's deputy hire, a 2027 tourism budget, and a run of property assessment appeals. Every meeting in the county's records is listed as agenda-only: no minutes have been published, so no votes, approvals, or denials are confirmed here. Where the agendas state dollar figures, they are included below; where they do not, none are reported.

Solar ordinance hearing and a solar project appeal

The Emery County Commission's October 5, 2026 agenda listed a public hearing on the draft Emery County Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems Ordinance. The hearing was for public input only, and no decision was scheduled. Oral and written comments were to be accepted, and the draft was available for inspection at the County Clerk/Auditor's office and online. The meeting was at the Emery County Administration Building, 75 East Main Street, Castle Dale.

Separately, the commission's October 8 agenda listed an update on appeals for the Drunkard's Wash Solar Project Level II conditional use permit. The agenda does not describe the appeals or their status.

Library contracts, deputy hire, agreements

The October 6 commission agenda included a consent item to hire Gordon Kelten Larsen as a full-time Deputy I, wage Grade 16 at $26.40 per hour with full benefits. It also listed contracts with Nichols Construction Group, LLC DBA Nichols Remodeling and Construction for the Huntington Library and Castle Dale Library Renovation and Improvement Projects.

Other items on that agenda: a memorandum of understanding between Emery County Archives and Emery County SSD#1 for record digitization services; an MOU between the Emery County Travel Bureau and Emery County EMS SSD regarding use of TRT funds; and an agreement with SHERPA for social media marketing from the TRT marketing budget. No dollar amounts are listed in the agenda for the contracts or sponsorships.

Travel Bureau: 2027 budget and vendor votes

The Emery County Travel Bureau's Travel Board was scheduled to hold a special budget meeting September 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Castle Dale and Green River, with in-person or Zoom attendance. The agenda called for a presentation on SHERPA's user-generated content solution and votes on whether to approve or deny the SHERPA solution, a PlacerAI contract, event radio ads, and the 2027 budget. Members were also to discuss the budget process and board member concerns. No dollar amounts or contract terms appear in the posted agenda.

Property assessment appeals

The Commission, sitting as the Board of Equalization, scheduled appeal hearings on property assessments across four days. On September 29, named slots were Guy Musser at 1:00 p.m., John Kantor at 2:00 p.m., and Boe Jensen at 3:00 p.m., with the 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. slots listed as open. On September 30: Wilberg Sisters at 1:00 p.m., Assessor initiated appeals at 1:30 p.m., Israel Kolar at 3:30 p.m., and Edward Korycan at 4:30 p.m. On October 1: a 9:00 a.m. non-appearance appeals block, Josh Luke at 10:00 a.m., Mike Justice/Kathy Justice/Julie Justice for the same parcels at 11:30 a.m., and Green River Valley online at 1:00 p.m.

A special Board of Equalization session on October 6 at 1:30 p.m. listed one substantive item: discussion and possible approval or denial of 2026 BOE adjustments. The October 8 agenda listed recommended 2026 BOE adjustments, a commission adjustment for Israel Kolar, and contracts with UAC for Commercial Valuation and Commercial BOE Services. The notices do not describe the properties or issues involved in any appeal.

Public lands and trails

The Public Lands Council's October 6 agenda listed discuss/approve/deny of work on the White Dugway Update, a presentation by Ben Grimes on mining and water, and agency reports from the BLM, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Utah Trust Lands Administration. The Trails Committee was scheduled to meet October 6 from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. to approve September 2026 minutes and hear reports from the BLM, Forest Service, state agencies, the Commission, and the Travel Bureau and Public Lands. Its next meeting is listed as November 3, 2026.

Budget season

On October 12 the commission held a series of department budget meetings covering Road/Landfill, Weed & Mosquito, Treasurer/Recorder, Public Lands and Justice Court, and the Aquatic Center, Assessor, and Travel/Museum.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13** — Commission budget discussion for the Emery County Attorney's Office.
• **Oct. 14** — Commission budget meetings: 11:00 a.m. Attorney, 11:30 a.m. Sheriff, 1:00 p.m. Personnel, 2:00 p.m. IT, 3:00 p.m. Library.

All meetings listed above are agenda-only; check the county's posted agendas for locations, Zoom links, and any changes.

Emery County boards weigh solar, grants, and subdivisions; no decisions yet published

Over the past two weeks, several Emery County boards and commissions met to consider items, but minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no official decisions are available. All items below are pending.

Emery County Commission

The County Commission met on August 18, taking up an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a Level II conditional use permit for the Drunkard's Wash Solar Project. The commission also discussed a possible temporary moratorium on Level II and III conditional use permits during an ordinance review. The agenda included acceptance of a $115,573.00 State Homeland Security Grant, a contract with UAC for Commercial Valuation Services (a countywide review), and ratification of an Emergency Facilities & Land Use Agreement for Huntington Airport.

Emery County Planning and Zoning Commission

On August 12, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed two minor subdivision applications: Hangin Beef (submitted by Korby Christiansen) and Cody Davis. The commission also considered a cemetery request for the Tucker Family Cemetery, proposed ordinance updates on solar energy in Emery County, and recommendations from planning staff on the Drunkards Wash conditional use permit application. The meeting was open in person and via Zoom.

Emery County Economic Development Board

The Economic Development Board met on August 11 to decide whether to use Rural County Grant (RCG) funds to pay for a consultant or an employee, and how to allocate FY2027 Rural County Grant program funds. The board also approved minutes from its May 12, 2026 meeting. The meeting was held at the Emery County Courthouse in Castle Dale.

Emery County Travel Bureau

The Travel Bureau met on August 10 to consider a Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation Mitigation Grant and a memorandum of understanding between the Travel Bureau and EMS. The board also welcomed Tonya Bigelow as a new member representing Green River City and recognized a volunteer of the month. Routine reports and budget items were also on the agenda.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days, according to the provided data. Check the official county website for any changes or additions.

Emery County Commission to weigh solar ordinance change, landfill contract

Emery County officials held several meetings on Aug. 4, with the county commission considering a resolution that would block new large-scale solar plants. All meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no final decisions are confirmed.

County Commission

The commission's agenda included the most substantive items:

• A proposed resolution to stop all future large-scale utility solar plants that are not yet permitted.
• A contract for services between Emery County Landfill and Western Metals regarding the Landfill Scrap Metal Pile RFP.
• Tasking Johansen & Tuttle for an engineer's estimate and plan for debris basin maintenance.
• Feasibility engineering for expanding the Emery County Sheriff's Office to house more state inmates.
• Ratification of the USL Memorandum of Agreement for the Juniper Library Consortium.

No vote tallies or dollar amounts were listed on the agenda.

Public Lands Council

The Public Lands Council heard agency reports from the Bureau of Land Management, Manti-La Sal National Forest, Utah Trust Lands Administration, and other state and federal bodies. The council also approved minutes from the July 7 meeting and took public comment. No votes on specific projects or funding were listed.

Travel Bureau Trails Committee

The Trails Committee met electronically and in person, approving July 2026 minutes and receiving reports from the BLM, Forest Service, state agencies, the county commission, and the Travel Bureau/Public Lands office. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 1, 2026.

Board of Equalization

The Board of Equalization met to discuss, approve, or deny corrections regarding 2026 PUMA issues. No further details were provided on the agenda.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. Residents should check the county's official meeting calendar for future notices.

Emery County Commission weighs solar ordinance change, $300,000 in funding allocations

The Emery County Commission on July 21, 2026, was scheduled to consider a resolution amending the county's solar ordinance to block future large-scale utility solar plants that have not yet been permitted, along with proposed funding allocations totaling $300,000 for emergency medical services and a town well rehabilitation project.

Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings covered in this roundup, outcomes — including whether items were approved, denied, or tabled — are not yet confirmed. The following reflects what agendas show was scheduled for discussion and possible action.

Emery County Commission

The commission's July 21 agenda listed a proposed resolution to stop future large-scale utility solar plants not yet permitted by amending the solar ordinance.

Also on the agenda:

• A proposed allocation of the first $250,000 of State PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) monies to the Emery County Emergency Medical Special Service District, structured over five years.
• A proposed $50,000 allocation to CVSSD to rehabilitate the Emery Town well.
• A proposed OnX Partnership Agreement between Emery County and onXmaps, Inc.
• Appointments of Seth Manning, Whitney Phelps, and Joe Begay to the Planning & Zoning Commission Board.

Emery County Travel Bureau

The Travel Bureau met July 13, 2026, with action items including a Cowboy Memorial Rodeo Event, an OnX Partnership Agreement, and an extension and final payment for Epicenter's Trails Grant. The board was also scheduled to discuss tourism conference attendance and present a Volunteer of the Month award.

Staff reports were slated covering events, marketing, museums, state parks, trails, grants, and finances.

Huntington 69V Municipal Airport Advisory Board

The Airport Advisory Board met July 14, 2026. The agenda included review of a rough draft of the Airport Layout Plan, with the board expected to make additions or corrections before the draft goes to the attorney.

The board was also set to discuss filling a vacancy left by Todd Cook's resignation, a hangar ground lease contract, and a groundskeeper contract — with plans to publish a request for proposals for the groundskeeper position. A status update on distance remaining markers was also listed, along with approval of April 2026 minutes.

Emery County Nursing Home Board

The Nursing Home Board met July 22, 2026, at San Rafael Health and Rehabilitation in Ferron, Utah. The agenda included discussion and review of the capital reserve fund and introduction of new board members.

Reports were scheduled from Traditions' CFO and CEO on finances, from the administrator on operations, and from the administrator on marketing.

What this means for residents

The commission's proposed solar ordinance amendment, if adopted, would affect where and whether large-scale utility solar facilities can be developed in Emery County going forward. The proposed $250,000 in PILT funding for emergency medical services and $50,000 for the Emery Town well rehabilitation directly relate to public safety and water infrastructure. The airport board's layout plan review and contract discussions affect operations at the Huntington Municipal Airport. Travel Bureau decisions on the rodeo event and trails grant touch local tourism and recreation programming.

Coming up

No upcoming public meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents are encouraged to check Emery County's official meeting postings for any newly scheduled sessions or special meetings.