County elected officials sworn in, Commission makes assignments
by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan County Commission finalized board assignments, approved a contract for geotechnical engineering of a building remodel, and saw the swearing in of new county officers at their first meeting of the year.
Five county officials were sworn-in at the January 7 meeting following their election by the voters in November.
Among those sworn-in by Judge Lyon Hazelton are new County Commission Lori Maughan, as well as County Assessor Rick Meyer, County Recorder Cindi Holyoak, County Surveyor Brad Bunker and County Treasurer Glenis Pearson.
Commissioners and staff alike recognized the historic nature of the swearing in. The San Juan County Commission has two women serving as commissioners together for the first time, with Maughan joining sitting commissioner Sylvia Stubbs.
At the meeting, Commissioner Stubbs was appointed as the chair of the county commission with Commissioner Maughan appointed as vice-chair.
Members of the commission also discussed board assignments, with Maughan taking responsibilities held by outgoing commissioner Bruce Adams.
Members of the commission also approved a contract with Terracon Consultants for Geotechnical Engineering for the County Public Safety Building remodel, a contract for property appraisal services, support of a program to prepare for the 250th celebration of the founding of America in 2026 and a letter of support.
During commissioner reports, commissioner Jamie Harvey reported on a recent meeting of the Navajo Utah Commission. At the meeting, possible solutions for issues related to law enforcement jurisdictional challenges on the Navajo Nation were discussed, with the possibility of seeking federal funding to help with a cross-deputization program to allow for greater coverage on the Navajo Nation.
Members of the commission also received annual training including on the Open and Public Meetings Act, Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) and Utah Public Officers’ and Employees’ Ethics Act.