Commission adjusts property value in Bluff

by Roma Young
Tammy Gallegos, director of the San Juan County Aging Programs, received an amended contract for one of the programs she administers for the county. It was approved at the June 9 meeting of the San Juan County Commission.
The amendment is to provide an additional $22,000 to the contract. This seemed to be good news and was accepted by the unanimous approval of the commission.
Commissioners convened a meeting of the San Juan County Board of Equalization (BoE) to consider a request by Mike Roring regarding a rental property in Bluff. Half of the property is used as rental apartments and will be taxed with a primary residence exclusion, with the change being made retroactive to the 2013 tax year.
The apartments were previously taxed as a secondary residence, assuming the renters have other primary residences. County Assessor Shelby Seely recommended the change because it would require constant paperwork to confirm that the renters have a primary residence elsewhere.
A San Juan Transportation Special Service District resolution regarding mineral lease revenues, which needed a signature from the Commission, was presented. The transportation district needed documentation that revenues will be unrestricted and used to repay its outstanding bonds. This is a standard procedure as the commission signed the previous resolution just a few months ago.
The commissioners approved six building permits, including homes in La Sal and Bluff, a new shop, a laundry room, and closing in a carport to add a studio.
Bylaws proposed at a work meeting the previous week by Blaine Nebeker were approved by the commission, with a change that the meetings be conducted “in an orderly manner” and not according to strict Roberts Rules of Order.
Human Resources Manager Crystal Holt presented one new hire for approval by the commission. Jacqueline Latham will fill a full time nursing position with the San Juan Public Health District.
Nick Sandberg notified the commission that Montrose County, CO is working to improve tourism in their county by promoting jeep and ATV tours. Montrose County identified old mining roads and adjoining county roads which they plan to use in the promotions.
The tours could enter San Juan County north of Buckeye Reservoir. Montrose County representatives asked if San Juan County is interested in participating and developing routes for the same type of activities in Utah.
Sandberg told Commissioners that Mark Ward, of the Utah Association of Counties (UAC), is willing to help write the lands bill proposal for San Juan County. His fee is $9,000.
Commissioners authorized Ward to proceed. They added that it could be especially helpful if Ward is also writing proposals for other counties.