Notes from the Rich County Commission Aug. 5th, 2026 by Bess Huefner

 

(Look on you tube for more information)

Sunrise Engineering’s services for their GSI seem to be running great. The Commissioners will review their contract each year. The cost is about $20k for 3 years.

New Business license was issued to Andrew Berry for his company: Bear Lake Service Care LLC. This company will serve Rich County residents with non-medical needs such as companionship/meal prep/light housekeeping, etc.

Brian Gardiner applied for a business license to open a new restaurant, Blue Bayou, located across from Epic on 2520 Bear Lake Blvd. They plan to open May 2027.

Kim Wilson presented the costs of running ambulances in Rich County. The call out cost is $1200 with $35 a mile. There are approximately 120 call outs per year. There is no charge for non-transport. A The Commissioners approved a $ 150 increase for call outs and $5 increase per mile. (This would be a good time for each family to find out what their insurance will pay for them in case of emergencies).

The Woodruff Creek Irrigation board of directors brought a signed affidavit to accept the NRCS plan for protecting the watershed. This is only for planning and the NRCS pays for this part. The NRCS rewrote the contract to change the 100 year agreement to 50 years. Rich County lawyer, Ben Willoughby reviewed the contract and felt that due diligence had been served. The County Commissioners act as a pass-through entity where supposedly they have no financial input.

Steve Talbot, director of Rich County Sanitation, is looking to hire more workers.

Rich County Economic Development Funds Support Local Businesses-Nikki Weston, Chair

 Each year, the State of Utah provides funding to rural counties to support economic development. In Rich County, the county commissioners have appointed the Rich County Economic Development Board to help guide the use of these funds.

 The board includes a representative from each town in the county, along with representatives from a local government entity and Workforce Services. The board reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Rich County Commission, which makes the final funding decisions.

 In 2026, Rich County received $200,000 in economic development funding. The majority of the funds were awarded to small businesses throughout the community. Public safety and infrastructure projects were also considered as part of the funding process.

 BRAG (Bear River Association of Governments) and the Bear Lake Regional Commission are contracted to administer the program. Applications opened shortly after the first of the year, and funding awards were made in April. A primary emphasis of the program was on creating or increasing year-round employment opportunities in Rich County. 

Businesses receiving funding have until November to submit documentation for reimbursement.

 Applications for the 2027 Small Business Grant Program are expected to open in November, provided the State of Utah maintains funding at a level similar to last year. 

Rich County businesses are encouraged to watch for the application period and take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their businesses and strengthen our local economy.