For every junk vehicle documented to have been removed from private property, the County places $10 into a prize fund as an incentive. The junk vehicle removal program funding comes from the solid waste operations budget.

Phase 10 has been completed with the removal of 111 vehicles between May 2022 and October 2024. This results in a prize drawing for $1,110.00.

The Commissioners drew tickets for the winners: First Place—Joel Pordillo, $555.00. Second Place—Scott Jensen, $222.00. Third Place—Lee Baxter, $166.50. Fourth Place—Josh Bailey, $111.00. Fifth Place—Sidney Ross, $55.50. The parties discussed the program's benefits. Commissioner Killian made a motion to continue the Junk Vehicle Removal Program. Commissioner Miles seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, Commissioner Miles voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.

Community Development Director Mike Hyde thanked the Solid Waste Department for funding the program.

Discussion & Consideration of the Duchesne Conservation District & NRCS Report

Darrell Gillman with the Duchesne Conservation District presented the 2024 report and explained the programs offered.

• The ARDL Program aims to aid farmers and ranchers. He also provided some examples of eligible projects. Four loans for about $360,000 were made in Duchesne County through the ARDL Program.
• The Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program allows participants to sit down with Nutrient Management Planners from UDAF to discuss their agricultural operations and then utilize soil tests, manure tests, and crop nutrient uptake. The Planner can develop a crop nutrient management plan that will identify best management practices for each operation. Duchesne County currently has nine producers participating in this program.
• The Agriculture Water Optimization Program works with the producers to help them optimize water use while maintaining or improving agriculture production. Duchesne County has twelve producers or canal companies funded this year for almost $2,000,000.
• UDAF’s Utah Soil Health Program was created during the 2021 General Session (HB0296) to recognize soil health as essential to protecting the state’s soil and water resources, bolstering the state’s food supply, and sustaining the state’s agriculture industry. In Duchesne County, the district helps promote soil health with no-till drills available for landowners to rent at minimal cost. Over 700 acres were planted this year using district drills.
• District Tree Program/Utah Pollinator Habitat Program—The district continues to sell bare-root trees and shrubs at reduced prices in this area. This year, they sold just under 4,500 trees and shrubs. Duchesne County had six individuals who received 50 to 60 plants each from the state pollinator program.

Mr. Gillman described the outreach and events they have participated in and other available State programs. He asked the Commission for the funding for their program. The County has contributed $20,000 in previous years.

Jeremy Maycock with NRCS introduced himself and presented the 2024 Duchesne County USDA-NRCS accomplishments and future projects. The parties discussed the East Fork EWP project. The Commissioners expressed their gratitude to NRCS for their assistance.

Commissioner Miles made a motion to accept the reports and approve the funding request for $20,000 from the Duchesne Conservation District. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Miles voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.

Discussion & Consideration of the Board of Equalization (BOE) Adjustments

Clerk-Auditor Chelise Jessen presented two commercial and one residential BOE adjustment late appeal applications. She explained that the resident said they didn’t receive the statement. The commercial properties said there was a classification error. Assessor Traci Herrera said there was no classification error that she could see on the properties. They are zoned commercial and assessed commercial. Commissioner Miles made a motion to deny the late appeal applications. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Miles voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.