San Juan County

San Juan County Clerk John David Nielson to resign in July after serving more than six years

John David Nielson has submitted his resignation as San Juan County Clerk/Auditor. In a letter presented to Commissioners on June 23, Nielson explained, “I feel that it is the right thing to do for myself and for my family as I move on to the next chapter of my life.” Nielson has accepted a job...

Commission addresses property tax rates

The San Juan County Commission approved the certified property tax rate, reluctantly approved a resolution for a tax appeal, and received updates on the Pack Creek fire at their June 15 meeting. The county adopted the Certified Tax Rate for 2021. It is the property tax rate that keeps county...

Pack Creek fire exceeds more than 8,000 acres

A simple unattended campfire on June 9 has grown into a massive wildfire on the northern and western flanks of the La Sal Mountains. By June 15, the Pack Creek Fire had burned more than 8,435 acres, destroyed a number of homes, and threatened dozens more. A small army of more than 425 fire-...

Homeowners taxes up dramatically

A dramatic increase in home prices triggered an across-the-board increase in property tax values for homes in San Juan County. Even though, in theory, the adjustments are supposed to have a corresponding decrease in tax rates, it appears as if homeowners in San Juan County will have a sizeable...

County Commission considers how to use federal ARPA funds

As part of a June 1 work meeting, the San Juan County Commission received a report on the American Rescue Plan Act and the anticipated $2.9 million the county will receive from the federal government. San Juan County Administrator Mack McDonald reports the county stands to receive $2,973,400 from...

Commissioners to hire redistricting expert

The San Juan County Commission discussed professional evaluation of census data related to elections, illegal dumping in the county, an upgrade to the public safety building, and a Spanish Valley flood study at their May 18 meeting. The commission discussed and approved the hiring of Bill Cooper...

San Juan County organizations will receive $58,557 from the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development announced they are awarding 7.6 million in matching grants for 99 outdoor recreation infrastructure projects. Three organizations in San Juan County received funds through the matching grant program in 2021, with the largest portion going to the...

County recreation PILT cuts ‘will hurt a bit’

by David Boyle News Director The San Juan County Commission discussed prioritization for Community Impact Board (CIB) funding, recreation funding through PILT and approved appointments to a newly formed Committee to address homelessness at their May 4 meeting. At the meeting, the commission...

Road work underway, projects in planning

Spring brings warmer conditions, along with road projects as well as plans for future projects. Work is underway on SR-211, the highway that connects US 191 to Indian Creek, the Dugout Ranch and Canyonlands National Park. The project will smooth out rough spots and fix rough edges on the road, in...

Commission addresses cancer screening, road plans, and wildfire

The San Juan County Commission requested federal support for cancer screening of mills tailings victims, approved a Spanish Valley transportation plan, and focused on wildfire preparations on April 20. The Commission also heard an update on wildfire conditions from the Utah Division of Forestry,...