Commission addresses fires, wind, contracts

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan County Commission approved contracts for items ranging from court services, tourism and firefighting, as well as heard reports from the Latigo Wind Park at their latest meeting.
Members of the county commission approved several contracts at their June 17 meeting.
Routine approvals included a contract for court perimeter and bailiff services with the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts. The maximum budget $3,000 for 1,300 hours.
A $15,000 contract with the Utah Office of Tourism for trade and media familiarization tours was approved.
The County also approved a fiscal year 2026 amendment for the Children’s Justice Center. The CJC saw a large increase from under $1,5000 to $116,000 to provide support for children who are victims of or witness to crimes to share their experiences in a safe environment.
The county recently opened their own center in Blanding rather than having children taken to Moab for interviews. The county provides in-kind services to support the CJC with a 22 percent contribution.
Commissioners also approved a right-of-way grant with the Bureau of Land Management for the landfill access road extending through 2055. The BLM has waived rent costs for the past 30 years. 
The county also approved a fire warden agreement with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, formalizing the county providing a vehicle for the county fire warden for inspections and trainings. The responsibility was previously held by the state.
The County commission also approved an exchange agreement with the City of Blanding. The county will receive an old backhoe from Blanding City for use at the La Sal Transfer Station. In exchange the county will accept construction demolition waste at the county landfill as the city tears down some old buildings on its property. 
Commissioners also received a report from the Latigo Wind Park. Site manager Tyler Erickson said the farm, north and west of Monticello, generates 60 megawatts of electricity from 27 turbines with each 2.3-megawatt turbine capable of powering about 500 homes.
The park is nine years into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Rocky Mountain Power’s parent company and generates $1.3 million in annual tax revenue and lease payments in the county.
Erickson said the company’s highest value is safety, as they ensure all personnel are trained on hazards associated with the electricity, heights and mechanical operations.
The park is located on 3,000 acres of private land. Four percent is used for infrastructure, with grazing and other traditional uses continuing for the majority of the project area.
When asked about future projects, AES is always looking for opportunities but there are no immediate plans for additional wind projects in the area.
Commissioners also received a report from the Utah Coalition of Cities and Counties also known as UC3.
Founder and Managing Director Sarah Davenport-Smith said the association aims to offer full-service lobbying for Utah clients, as well as education for elected officials as well as government staff and provide state and federal constitutional analysis.
The UC3 fee structure is 0.06 percent of a county general fund plus $750 and is designed for transparency and affordability allowing governments to belong to their organization as well as others like the Utah Association of Counties (UAC).
Support for the county would be offered both virtually and in-person with the ability to address specific needs. Commissioners thanked UC3 for the presentation noting appreciation for their willingness to engage with a land-large but population-small county like San Juan.
Members of the county commission also provided reports. Commissioner Lori Maughan noted the success of the San Juan Stampede Pro Rodeo. With community and county employee support, the event saw locals as well as visitors from outside the area.
Maughan discussed a recent EMS listening session with the state, noting EMS and fire funding is an issue.
Commissioner Sylvia Stubbs report included praise for the rapid response to the recent fires in Westwater and on Navajo Mountain.
Stubbs prqaised the Supreme Court ruling to will allow a railway connecting the Uintah basin to central Utah, noting the potential economic benefits.
Stubbs noted successes with county EMS programs following organizational changes last year. She also promoted a focus on affordable housing opportunities in the county.
Commissioner Jamie Harvey reported on upcoming meetings with the Navajo Nation, the Aneth Chapter, Navajo Revitalization Fund, and the National Association of Counties.
Harvey also thanked his fellow commissioners for their work including operating a suicide prevention booth at the recent pro rodeo.