Utah County delays decision on bow‑fishing tournament permits after dispute over $1 million insurance gap

Casey Brady, representing the Utah Bow Fishing Association, asked the Board of County Commissioners to grant a variance reducing the county’s $3,000,000 event insurance requirement to $2,000,000 for limited county‑ground activity tied to a larger tournament on Utah Lake. "The tournament itself is being handled on Utah Lake...the county doesn't — that's over Utah State — and I have the necessary permits through the state and through, with the DNR," Brady said, explaining the association’s argument that the county’s requirement covers only a small award‑ceremony footprint and imposes an additional $2,500 cost on the nonprofit.

Commissioners discussed the liability gap between the county’s $3,000,000 governmental immunity figure and the $2,000,000 policies the association carries; one commissioner asked whether the county should seek legislative change to align immunity thresholds or consider waivers. Chair expressed concern based on prior litigation experience and consistency across permit approvals. A commissioner moved to continue items 14 and 15 for one week to allow time to secure a third commissioner or explore policy solutions; the motion passed by voice vote.

The association said registration and planning will continue but that changing the permit one week could force it to find an alternative location for awards or cancel pavilion rentals. Commissioners described the item as symptomatic of constraints facing a three‑member commission when an absent member prevents a final decision; they asked staff to follow up with applicants during the continuance.

Next steps: items 14 and 15 were continued for one week to return with additional information or a quorum; applicants were advised to confirm permit timing and alternative arrangements if necessary.