Emery County approves $1.66 million bond for Castle Valley Special Service District

The Emery County Commission voted March 17 to adopt a final bond resolution authorizing a $1,662,000 general obligation bond series 2026 for the Castle Valley Special Service District.

Jacob Sharp, manager of the Castle Valley Special Service District, told the commission the amount "is the $1,662,000," and that the district will combine the loan with a $1,588,000 grant to fund incremental infrastructure work in towns across the district. Sharp said voters previously approved a $14,000,000 general obligation authorization in 2019 and the district has issued that authorization in series each year.

Commissioners opened a public hearing before the vote to allow questions from residents. One resident asked how much each household would pay; Sharp replied the bond repayment is structured over six years and staff estimated the county repays about $1.4 million annually to the CIB, and explained that final property impacts depend on individual tax valuations and district rates.

Commission members discussed the district's practice of issuing smaller series to leverage grant opportunities and to minimize borrowing costs; a county official noted that roughly half of taxable value in the county is attributable to power plants, which reduces the share borne by residential taxpayers. After discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved the resolution by roll call.

The resolution authorizes the district to borrow for capital projects. Commissioners and staff said they expect the series to be repaid under the district's established schedules and that further details will appear on tax statements and district notices.

The commission closed the hearing and adopted the bond resolution; no amendment to the authorization was recorded at the meeting. The county will record the resolution and proceed with the bond closing and related administrative steps.