County Commission Discusses School Board & Proposed Conservation Easement

Bruce and Kathryn Warner, Reporters

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  April 2, 2014. Bryce and Jennifer Huefner presented the results of a study about how voting precincts might be realigned to equalize representation for all residents across the county. The study considered data from the 2010 national census. Under the study, the county would be divided into five generally equal districts. The Commission agreed to consider the results from this study. They will wait to see if the School District will agree to finalize the study; otherwise, a committee will be selected representing all areas in the county to develop and present to the Commission two or three alternatives. The Commission indicated this work will take some time to complete, and expressed reservations about the accuracy of the census data.  However, it is too late to legally challenge 2010 census data.

Christa Cline discussed the possibility of obtaining a conservation easement for 50 acres of land owned by the Winters family in South Eden on the east side of the Lake. She asked for a letter of support from the county commission, but did not ask for funding or any other action. The Commission said that they were willing to issue the requested letter, subject to review of legal counsel. Part of the family who has inherited this land wants to develop the property beginning this spring, rather than have it remain as agricultural land. Some funding may be available from the Eccles Foundation to support the conservation easement designation.

Kim Wilson, assessor, reviewed the personal property statements that have been filed. The Commission approved the statements, but asked for a report next month on the tax revenues that have been lost by raising the exemption level to $10,000. Most of the businesses in the area will not owe any personal property tax.

One resident in the area has been paying too much property tax because their home was misclassified as a second home. The building inspector and assessor will work together to try to prevent similar errors in the future. The Commission granted a refund for the prior five years under the provisions of state law, but did not grant a refund for the two prior years.

Bear Lake Aquatics presented their concerns about the safety of scouts at the scout camp on the east side of the Lake as they cross the road. They asked for the County’s help will signs. The Commission agreed to erect signs to help protect the scouts.

A “Conservation Agreement with Assurances” proposal document was presented to the Commission. This pertains to proposed steps that might be taken locally to mitigate loss of Sage Grouse in the area. Sage Grouse are a national bird, and the United States may issue national mitigation guidelines if the birds are declared an endangered species. The question is whether the County should agree to a local mitigation plan prior to any national guidelines. The Commission will consider what should be done, and stated that this could be a very far reaching issue in its impact on development of the County.

The Commission considered a number of other pieces of administrative business. They approved purchase of a new Ford truck for the Sheriff’s department, authorized work in the computer room including network cable, approved an audit engagement letter, discussed ambulance fees, approved an addendum to the surveyor contract with Wasatch county, and discussed ways to minimize the costs of materials for road repairs.

The County will hold a tax sale on May 21 at 10 am pertaining to properties who are behind in payment of property taxes. For information on properties that are still available call the treasurer’s office at 435-793-5115.