Duchesne County Commission approves road-equipment purchases, vouchers and payroll

Duchesne County commissioners on Jan. 12 approved a set of road-equipment purchases for the road department, authorized routine financial items and confirmed payroll and a mileage reimbursement update.

The commission voted to purchase a side-belt/side-dump trailer after staff presented competing bids; staff said vendor quotes were close and the selected unit matched departmental specifications. Commissioners then approved purchase of a set of belly-dump trailers from the vendor presented to the board at the stated price and authorized the purchase of two new semi trucks, to be charged to fund 41 as discussed on the record.

Finance and payroll items followed. Staff presented vouchers for expenditures: $688,680.22 for the 2025 budget and $727,320 for the 2026 budget; motions to approve both sets of vouchers passed. Payroll specialist Jane Park reported payroll for the Jan. 3, 2026 pay period covering 230 employees and a total payroll of $739,708; the commission approved payroll as presented.

On travel reimbursement, commissioners set the county mileage rate at 72.5¢ per mile for 2026, aligning with the new IRS guidance and confirming the county pays the rate only when a county vehicle is not available.

Public Works Director Mike Casper, speaking during the equipment discussions, summarized current crew deployments and ongoing winter projects. "First thing, we're we're just kinda working on 3,000 over there," Casper said while briefing the board on equipment movement and timing. Jane Park provided the payroll figure on the record: "the total amount that was paid was 739,708."

All procurement and finance motions recorded on Jan. 12 were approved by voice vote with unanimous 'aye' responses from the commissioners present. The commission did not record any dissenting votes during the meeting.