MBA discusses Dutch John wastewater improvements, defers work-release decision to county commission

The Daggett County Municipal Building Authority on March 31 discussed but did not approve a work release (2026-1) to design Dutch John wastewater system improvements, instead deferring the decision to the county commission so staff can confirm procurement and engineer-of-record documentation.

Staff explained the item stems from a prior DEQ planned advance that funded camera and video inspection work and that DEQ offered a funding package for the project. During discussion staff stated the total project cost is about $475,000 and that DEQ had advanced $90,000 for the study component. Staff and commissioners described the likely funding structure as roughly a 50/50 grant/loan split but said the packet did not show the exact funding split and that they would confirm details with county staff and DEQ.

A staff member said the next step before approving design work is a letter from the county procurement official (Kent Snyder) stating the procurement process and whether the engineer of record may continue with the design. "What we’ll need from Kent Snyder before we even move forward starting design is a letter from him stating that we've gone through the county's procurement process according to your rules," the staff member said.

Board members discussed whether to process the item through the MBA or the county commission. Because the original DEQ advance was made to the county, the authority agreed it was appropriate to resolve funding and procurement questions at the county commission meeting and to bring the item back if needed. The matter was therefore deferred rather than being voted on by the MBA.

No formal motion to approve design services was passed by the MBA; staff said they will assemble documentation for the county commission and will verify the DEQ funding terms and interest rate information discussed at the meeting.