Uinta County commissioners approve warrants, grants and agreements; closed session scheduled

The Uinta County Board of County Commissioners met in Vernal in January 2026 and approved a series of motions covering county finances, grants, agreements and an entertainment contract.

The commission approved a warrants run dated Jan. 22 totaling $1,061,015.83 that county staff said covered contract payments and payroll. County staff noted a $215,824.80 payment listed for Lucky Acres would be reimbursed through a grant. Unidentified Speaker 6 moved to approve the warrants and the commission voted in the affirmative.

The board ratified a $2,410 Creative Aging grant for the Uinta County Library from the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement to fund an eight‑week arts program for residents 55 and older. Jenny Bird, purchasing and grants, said the grant covers instructor fees, advertising and supplies and that Lauren reviewed the contract language; the board voted to ratify the grant.

Commissioners approved an encroachment/easement agreement with the Steininger Service Canal to permit a 100‑foot easement across an existing county box culvert at 337 S. Aggie Boulevard to allow a construction company to build a road into a subdivision near Tara Academy; staff said the agreement met legal standards.

The board approved an amendment to the annual agreement with Utah State University that reflects the updated fiscal‑year budget and heard a report on USU Extension and 4‑H program activity, including 271 active youth and multiple grants and program revenues.

Melanie Silcox, Western Park, presented a concert contract for Diamond Rio to headline the county fair. The presented deal includes a $35,000 base fee plus a $1,500 cash buyout and additional production costs for lights, sound, hotels and car rental; the county retains 100% of ticket revenue and will receive 10% of merchandise sales. The commission approved the contract amount as presented.

The chair then moved the board into a closed session to discuss ‘‘the character, professional competency, or physical or mental health of an individual.’’ Commissioners voted to enter the closed session at about 3:30 p.m. and said they would reconvene afterward to adjourn.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve minutes (motion to approve minutes): Approved by voice vote.
- Approve warrants (Jan. 22, $1,061,015.83): Approved by voice vote; Lucky Acres payment $215,824.80 listed as grant reimbursement.
- Tax abatement for parcel 050310085 (state ownership Feb–Dec, $1,006.73): Approved by motion.
- Ratify Creative Aging grant ($2,410 to Uinta County Library): Approved by motion.
- Approve Steininger Service Canal encroachment/easement agreement (337 S. Aggie Blvd.): Approved by motion.
- Approve USU annual agreement amendment (updated FY budget): Approved by motion.
- Approve Diamond Rio concert contract (base $35,000; $1,500 buyout; additional production costs): Approved by motion.
- Enter closed session (personnel/health confidentiality): Approved by motion.

The meeting included public comment time but no members of the public spoke.