County approves flock camera trial, talks form of governance following admin's resignation

Members of the commission approved a flock camera trial, looked at home energy rebates and once again discussed the county form of governance for the first time since the resignation of the county administrator at their latest meeting.
Members of the San Juan County commission again approved another resolution clarifying the county form of governance at their May 19 meeting.
The meeting was the first since the resignation of county administrator Mack McDonald.
McDonald was hired as the county administrator in August 2019 and resigned from the position earlier in May.
Members of the commission again approved an amended resolution clarifying how individual commissioners interact with other government leadership.
While commissioners may discuss day-to-day operations with county leadership any meetings involving legislative or executive policy must include an invitation to the full board.
Members of the commission approved a version of the resolution that included department heads, other elected officials and a county administrator.
Members of the commission did acknowledge that the county has not made a decision to hire a replacement.
It had been noted in previous meetings that other counties in Utah operate without an administrator such as Emery County with the three commissioners acting as the administrative body and handling county operations. While the commission has adopted resolutions as of late re-emphasizing this form of governance those options do not disallow the county from hiring an administrator.
Members of the commission also approved a six week trial of flock cameras. Sheriff Lehi Lacy says the license plate recognition systems have been implemented across Utah and the four corners area.
Lacy explained LPR’s are used for tracking stolen vehicles, vehicles linked to criminal activity, Amber Alerts and missing persons. Lacy added they were a key factor in locating the Iowa man who was involved in the triple homicide in Wayne County in March of 2026.
Lacy added the county has two cameras through a different company but are interested in the trial. If the county does want to use the cameras they’d likely sign a three-year contract with charges of $3,300 annually. While initial trial would set up 10 cameras the county could use less if it desired. Lacy noted the recent missing person who was found deceased in San Juan County in April had a license plate hit in Grand County and additional cameras could have been useful in locating his vehicle sooner.
Members of the commission approved the trial period.
At the meeting a public hearing was held for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The proposed project would seek funds for the installation of a restroom and septic system at the La Sal first responders building which houses Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire services.
Members of the commission also discussed a letter received from Bill Knowlton regarding he and partners' proposed 25-unit affordable housing project in Blanding.
The project is using support from the private developer, Utah Inland Port Authority, federal tax credits, the city of Blanding and other partners to build affordable housing but has shared there is a $300,000 shortage in the funding gap, with a request for the county to look at additional resources available.
Commissioners discussed the possibility of helping the funding gap, noting the possible use of one or two units to act as homeless shelter services. While not committing to any contribution at this point commissioners acknowledged the severe housing shortage has hindered the county’s ability to attract and retain employees and recognized the importance of the project.
Members of the county commission also heard a report on a home energy rebate program. Drew Cooper with United Today Stronger Tomorrow (UTST) shared information on the federal formula grant program through the Department of Energy. THe program is set to award $101 million in the state of Utah for home energy efficiency upgrades.
It was noted that San Juan County has a higher average energy burden of seven-percent compared to the statewide average of two-percent. It was noted the average family in Monument Valley spends $3,431 on energy costs for a nine-percent energy burden.
Cooper noted the program has $8 million specifically set aside for households on tribal lands.
The program supports two branches one covers structural improvements including insulation and air sealing and the appliance focused program installs efficient heat pumps and water heaters.
Those funds could also be used to address aging electrical infrastructure on tribal lands to support modern appliances.
The program conducted a survey to maximize outreach with a focus on communication, developing a network of contractors and look at ways to leverage funds with other programs. Commissioners expressed support for the initiative and made plans to re-engage with partners including chapter leaders and contractors ahead of a release of funds in June.
Members of the county commission also received a presentation from the county recorders office on a new tool. County Recorder Cindi Holyoak shared information with Balcony Technologies demonstrating their digital mapping and search portal. The demonstration showed how users could find property information including subsurface claims on the digital map.
Holyoak shared the program would be offered at no cost for the first year with a revenue-sharing model in place for subsequent years where subscriptions sold to title companies and landmen would offset the county’s fees. The county commission postponed formal approval to allow a final technical review by the IT department.
Members of the commission also discussed a legal services agreement with the Utah Association of Counties. The commission is considering an agreement with UAC to have Eric Clark serve as a deputy county attorney at an annual contract of $10,000 to assist in some complex tasks such as the Moab Valley Fire Department Annexation. County Attorney Mitch Maughan estimated the cost for the same work from private consultants could be as much as $30,000.