Emery County Commissioners approve marketing funds for tourism

By Patsy Stoddard

The Emery County Commissioners met in their April meeting. They opened the bids for the lawn care for seven Emery County Libraries and the Emery County Road Department. Bids were received from Tab’s Lawn Service, Ziggy’s Ranch, Razorsharp Landscaping, Samuel Smith and Tennant Lawn Care.
Commissioner Kent Wilson said the bids would be looked over and compared to make sure they meet the requirements for fertilizer and mowing. They will award the bid to the lowest bidder meeting all the criteria.
The board approved the Cooperative Law Enforcement Annual Operating Plan and Financial Plan between the Emery County Sheriff’s Office and the USDA Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest. This agreement compensates the Sheriff’s Office for work they do on the Manti-LaSal forest including patrols and any activity needing law enforcement.
The board approved a memorandum of understanding between Emery County and the BLM regarding the Travel Management Plan. Ray Petersen, public lands director said the BLM is working on the travel plan for the San Rafael Desert and the Swell. The courts ordered the plan be redone. They are taking a specific look at cultural resources indicated Petersen.
The board approved a letter to the BLM declaring Emery County’s interest in participation as a consulting party regarding the Oil and Gas Lease Sale. Petersen said the oil and gas leases are mainly in Emery County and encompass 160,000 acres. Petersen said it’s important the county stay involved in these planning processes.
Jordan Leonard, economic development director explained the Distribution Service Agreement with Certified Folder Display Services for Distribution of Marketing Brochures. He said this company takes care of the distribution of the brochures highlighting Emery County for the tourists. They are placed in Moab, Grand Junction and Green River. They deliver to all the businesses, information kiosks and visitor centers. Leonard said, “It’s a benefit to get our information out there.” Certified Folder distributes approximately 5,000 brochures throughout the year for the county.
Leonard explained all of the marketing funds for the travel bureau and their distribution are from the transient room taxes. These funds are discussed extensively in the travel bureau meeting before they come to the commissioners for final approval.
 Marketing Funds for the Crandall Canyon Memorial Run were approved. This run will be on Aug. 4 in Huntington Canyon. Runners start above Electric Lake for the half marathon and runners are distributed through the canyon. The race ends at the bottom of the Crandall Canyon road. Leonard said the run brings in 100 runners from out of the area. The event is promoted through social media and all runners receive a T-shirt with Emery County logos.  
 The Little Grand Canyon Marathon funding was approved. This event is Sept. 15 and is a full marathon. It attracts 200 runners and added spectators. The race starts just outside of Huntington and finishes at the swinging bridge.
Commissioner Wilson stressed the fact that these events are evaluated by the travel bureau before they are considered for funding. He said the travel bureau is re-evaluating how these marketing funds are allocated. He wants to make sure the funds get a return on investment that benefits the county. He said the county will look at buying blocks of advertising in the future and then give each event a portion. Doing this may make management of the events and their advertising simpler. Wilson said they want to make sure the funds are used wisely.
Leonard said all of the events must fill out paperwork and provide receipts of how and where the monies were spent.
 Marketing Funds for Millsite Golf Course were approved. This money will be used for ads in the PGA book. These books are distributed all over in surrounding states. An ad will also go in vacation land. Money will go to radio ads. Ferron City will match these advertising dollars to better promote the golf course out of the area.
 Marketing Funds for Cowboy’s Memorial Rodeo were approved. This is a semi-pro rodeo and will be on July 28-29 in Castle Dale. The Emery High School rodeo team uses this event as their fundraiser. The rodeo team takes care of putting on the rodeo including clean-up after the event. The event draws 250 contestants along with their spectators.
The Emery County Aquatic Center will receive funding for newspaper ads and social media advertising. They will focus on Carbon County and surrounding areas to promote the pool to bring people into the facility.
 Marketing Funds for Kasey’s Pro Shop were discussed. Leonard said, “He will be holding two events this year. The Castle Rock Amateur will be held on June 2 and a couples tournament on Aug. 17. The funding will provide website, social media advertising and golf balls with Emery County’s logo for the event. The match is $3,500.
The board approved the 2018 Annual Property Tax Exemptions for Religious or Educational Non-Profit Organizations. The list includes all churches, cities, RUD, UMWA, Crown Homes, Green River PACT and the Epicenter.
The commission approved the agreement with Scott S. Crook to review and update the Emery County Policies and Procedures Manual. The agreement is for a maximum of $3,000. He will go through the manual and make sure it meets all requirements according to Utah State law.
 Randy Johnson-Government Matters, reported the Emery County Lands Use bill is still in the forefront and language adjustments are being made. There have been conference calls with the staff in Washington. They are working to get the bill ready to be introduced in the House and the Senate.
Ray Petersen said he’s been asked by the State Natural Resources committee to report on where the Emery County bill is in the process.
Commissioner Lynn Sitterud reported a fundraiser was held by the Emery County Search and Rescue for Eli Winter. “The building was full and people had an enjoyable time and supported and donated to a good cause for one of our residents,” said Commissioner Sitterud.
Commissioner Wilson said, “It was impressive for the Search and Rescue to go out and do this for one of their own family members. The Search and Rescue comes through to take care of their own. The event raised money for this family. They were thinking on a grand scale and made it happen. The items that were donated were impressive.”
The commissioners drew names for the $100 gift card for safety awards. Elected officials are not eligible; for the part time employees Megan Crosland was the winner; for the full time employees Carole Larsen was the winner.
For the safety sensitive departments including the road department, sheriff’s office and weed and mosquito departments Molly Barnes and Brock Winn were the winners.
 Duane Fowler was appointed to serve a four year term on the Aging and Nutrition Board.
The recruitment effort for up to five seasonal lifeguards and Head Lifeguards as needed was approved. Brenda Lemon was appointed to Deputy Recorder II. Loyette Holdaway was approved as a volunteer for the Library System.