County approves routine contracts, personnel moves and updates to per diem and mileage

At its meeting, the Iron County Commission approved several routine but consequential administrative items:

• Wildlife contract: Commissioners extended a professional services contract for wildlife mitigation technologies with Michael B. Worthen to continue natural resources work and equipment support. Staff said grant funds — approximately $24,000–$25,000 — will cover the cost.

• USU Extension cooperative agreement: The commission approved the 2026 cooperative agreement with Utah State University Extension. Staff confirmed the agreement aligns with the county budget that was previously approved; local staff and commissioners discussed available floor space for Extension personnel and asked county staff to confirm specifics before any building reassignments are finalized.

• Per diem and mileage: The commission adopted the 2026 per diem schedule (GSA base: breakfast $16, lunch $19, dinner $28) and the IRS mileage rate for 2026 (72.5¢ per mile) and directed HR to mirror those rates in personnel policy.

• Bee inspector report: Bee inspector Blaine Nay presented the 2025 program results (30 inspected yards, 87 colonies). He reported one colony with American foulbrood (destroyed and buried), seven cases of European foulbrood (being monitored/treated), two chalkbrood cases and several high varroa mite counts; he urged ongoing monitoring by beekeepers.

• Personnel: A slate of hires, promotions and status changes across departments (sheriff’s office, landfill, natural resources, emergency management and assessor's DMV) were presented and the commission approved the personnel actions.

All of these items passed on voice votes during the meeting; staff noted follow-up tasks where needed (facility and space planning for Extension and follow-up reporting on grant-funded contract work).