County, Monticello justice courts set to merge

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan County Commission approved the merger with the Monticello Justice Court, adopted an economic blueprint and approved public health contracts at their latest meeting.
County commissioners approved the merger of the San Juan County and Monticello City justice court at the January 20 meeting.
The agreement establishes a 70/30 revenue split after expenses are covered with the county receiving the bulk of the revenue.
Deputy County Attorney Jens Neilson reported the merger would bring “efficiencies to the justice court function.”
Commissioner Silvia Stubbs praised the deal as an example of how local entities can work together to make things happen in San Juan County.
Members of the San Juan County Commission also adopted a revised county Rural Economic Blueprint.
The blueprint, like ones developed in municipalities in the county, was created with help from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. The blueprint is designed to align the county’s growth strategy with regional planning efforts, ensuring that county priorities including housing and strategic planning are highlighted for funding from state and federal entities.
Members of the commission also reviewed and approved contracts for public health services including an increase of $15,500 to funds aimed at preventing commercial tobacco use and connecting tobacco users with tools to quit.
A wide variety of enforcement and education programs are used in San Juan County. In approving the amendment commission member Jamie Harvey noted the need for culturally nuanced education for Indigenous youth, emphasizing the need to distinguish between harmful commercial use and traditional ceremonial use.
Members of the commission also approved a service agreement with Elation Health to implement a new electronic health record system. Staff says the system will increase efficiency including streamlining billing, and compliance of regulations with reduced errors and expanded capacity to serve residents.
Members of the commission also provided commission reports. Commissioner Harvey noted the “Zero Suicide” inititive and campaign to elminate stigmas related to mental health support with a special emphasis on the upcoming conference on Saturday January 31 at USU Blanding. The free conference is aimed at community members and leaders alike to open conversations and empower survivors of sexual abuse and their families as well as promote prevention.
Commissioner Silvia Stubbs shared some notes from a recent visit to Navajo Mountain where discussions revolved around grazing permits and challenges of an influx of wild horses on the reservation.
Commissioner Lori Maughan spoke about the value of the SHARP survey data which surveys youth in the school district noting the statistics are helpful for creating county policies.