Unsecured loads to county landfill will be fined

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan County Commission approved an update to the county landfill fees, received a report on the update to the land use section of the general plan and heard from EMS services at their latest meeting.
Following a public hearing, members of the county commission approved an update to fees at the county landfill at their August 19 meeting.
Landfill Manager Jed Tate explained the adjustments were partially required by a new state law requiring extra fees for unsecured or untarped loads. The fee will double normal tipping fees for those loads that come to the dump unsecured or untarped. While the state law requires a minimum $10 charge the county heard from other landfill operators in the state that doubling the fee has been more effective at changing behavior and promoting the safety intended in the law.
Tate shares the fee is intended to change behavior rather than generate revenue. The county plans to have an educational period before enforcement with the first offense receiving a warning, with the county planning to track license plates for offenders to keep track of warnings versus actual fines given out.
The state law also includes increased fines for littering on highways, $200 for first offense, $400 for a second, plus community service for a third.
Blanding city recently opposed the fee for covered loads, noting concerns that an increased financial burden on residents could lead to more illegal dumping. The city also offered concerns about the fee schedule becoming a revenue stream for the landfill.
Members of the commission approved the update to the county landfill fee schedule.
Members of the county commission also received an update on the update to the land use section of the county general plan.
County staff shared that they were able to find resources from the Utah Department of Agriculture, Division of Natural Resources, and Division of Drinking Water to all assist in the county’s work to update the land use portion of the general plan.
Additionally, County Administrator Mack McDonald reported that the Southeastern Utah Association of Governments has authorized their planner to assist the county in this effort.
Right now the county is gathering information from the state divisions about what is needed in the plan with county staff to work with the planning commission to develop a final draft to present to the citizens in a public hearing before the planning commission.
McDonald also provided examples from three other counties in the state for reference.
Commission and staff agreed to a framework to have the item for review before the planning commission in early September in hopes of having the commission review it at their September 16 meeting.
Members of the county commission also approved a new contract policy for Emergency Medical Services Training. The agreement will have the county continue to cover the cost of advanced classes for trainees. However the update would require those who receive the training to work for the county EMS department for three years before they leave. EMT’s that leave the county before that time would pay for the class pro-rated by how long they served for the county with education costing the county $1,200.
Members of the county commission also approved an update on the mutual aid agreement between Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) and the county for coverage on highway 191.
With the Bluff Ambulance certification moving to an emergency medical responder unit instead of a certified EMT or transporting unit, UNHS will take up greater coverage from White Mesa hill south. With staff noting the Montezuma Creek unit is closer than the Blanding unit.
Members of the commission also considered standardizing EMS standby services for events, but the document wasn’t quite ready for approval.
Members of the commission did receive a brief update from EMS Director Jeremy Hoggard on the department’s work. Hoggard reported last October staff was low around 15 to 20 providers but he reported those numbers are up to 40.
“We’re still struggling with some of our transport coverage and some of those things, but we to date have not missed a 911 call and we’re pretty proud of that and our team is doing amazing.”
Hoggard also shared he had been nominated to the executive board for the Rural EMS association of Utah serving as president-elect, with the group’s number one priority being sustainable funding of rural EMS while trying to find venues other than local taxpayers.
Members of the commission tabled the standby services agreement and thanked Hoggard for his report.
Members of the commission also approved a resolution of cross appeals to 2025 tax assessments by centrally assessed companies. The move authorizes Utah Association of Counties hired attorney to represent the county as large energy companies attempt to lower their tax bill to the county.
Members of the commission also heard from representatives with the Southeastern Regional Development Agency about efforts through the Wonder Schools to increase child care supply in the county.
Wonders School focuses on growing child care by focusing on business support, licensing and peer cohorts to help recruit individuals with an aptitude for child care that may lack business experience.
Data shared at the meeting was that the county has 185 child care slots but needed 200 to 400 more, with a suggestion that each new slot adds $30-40,000 in economic gains. Also highlighted was a proposed state-funded pilot program in San Juan County to increase childcare to provide flexibility for families to seek employment.
Commission also approved a state library grant to fund postage for interlibrary loans, the amount was increased by about $3,500 to nearly $9,000.
Members of the commission also approved a letter supporting Garfield County’s request to US Forest Service officials to allow a local business to harvest dead timber which Garfield County says has created unhealthy forest conditions including potential for wildfire.
Members of the county commission approved the letter of support
Members of the commission also approved items related to public health including an agreement with the state of Utah for viral hepatitis surveillance and prevention. Additionally an amendment to a 2019 immunization contract was approved with an increase in federal and state funds by over $24,000 to support immunization programs related to rising concerns including the return of measles.
The county also agreed to a contract with the Department of Environmental Quality for $1,000 to routinely inspect and ensure proper management for used oil collection centers.
Members of the commission also approved a letter of support for a Blanding city proposed pump track and bike playground in Blanding near the visitor center.
At the meeting the commission also certified the annual independent audit of San Juan Counseling, approved an ingress, egress and right of entry consent for abandoned mine closures on county-owned property in King Creek conducted by the Department of Natural Resources.
Members of the commission also tabled an interlocal agreement between Monticello city and San Juan County for building inspection services to allow a two-week delay for the building officials to take a look at the agreement before the county will approve the item.
At the meeting members of the commission took time to honor those who responded to the Deer Creek Old La Sal fire. County staff recognized the San Juan County Fire and Road Departments, Blanding, Monticello and La Sal Fire Departments. Also recognized were the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, San Juan Emergency Management, Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, San Juan EMS, and Crystal Johnson.
Additionally, the county took time to recognize Deputy Peyton Palmer and Deputy Brayden Giddings and their K9 Nyx for two significant drug busts following patrol stops.
Members of the commission also heard a report from Wade Allinson, the state of Utah’s Off-Highway Vehicle Manager. Allinson outlined the program’s contribution to the county including over $100,000 in the form of grants to the county over the years. Also highlighted were the role of OHV’s in the county and emphasized the importance of volunteerism, and clubs in aiding federal agencies in managing public lands.
Allinson outlined the economic and cultural value of OHV trails to communities and encouraged residents to join, participate and donate to clubs, projects and land use organizations.
Members of the commission also heard about the third annual Recover Day 2025 event on September 18 at Centennial Park in Blanding. The event is aimed at raising awareness for addiction and celebrating recovery at the event including through food, games, music and highlighting of resources.