The Sevier County Commission held a scheduled worksession on September 28, 2026, to review several municipal and regional requests, according to meeting minutes published October 22.
Commissioners Scott Johnson, Greg Jensen, and Ralph Brown met in the Sevier County Administration Building conference room to discuss topics including arena upgrades, fire mitigation funding, and a major watershed project west of Richfield.
Kathy Maxwell of Salina City and Blackhawk Arena Director Ryan Brooks met with the Commission to discuss necessary upgrades for the Blackhawk Arena sound system. They reported the current system has been patched together to remain operational but requires a complete upgrade.
A bid from Performance Audio for $187,353 was presented to the Commission. Representatives requested that the County cover half of the proposal amount. Officials noted that the upgrade could increase events, potentially generating more Transient Room Tax (TRT) funding for the County. The Commission stated they would review the request while establishing the 2027 budget. Additionally, officials discussed increasing fees for overnight stall rentals and overnight hook-ups to help cover costs.
Fire Warden Brion Terry and Assistant Nick Freeborn reviewed potential projects utilizing Title 3 funds for mountain fire mitigation. Proposed efforts include clearing trees and brush away from private property roadsides to create larger fire breaks.
The Commission discussed using Title 3 money to purchase a Polaris Ranger equipped with a skid unit and a water trailer to improve access and mitigation along mountain roads. Additionally, Matt Christensen of the State Fire Interface Department is looking at upgrading an area near the airport that Richfield City may allow the State and County to use for firefighting equipment storage. The Commission expressed interest in using Title 3 monies to upgrade that area with gravel, provided it fits within the current budget.
Darin Robinson and Jenna from Jones & DeMille Engineering provided an update on the watershed project located west of Richfield. The team has completed an environmental study in coordination with the NRCS and is looking to move into the design phase as quickly as possible.
The project is seeking approximately $25 million in available federal grants. While Robinson noted that benefit costs for this project are higher than other projects, he expressed confidence in securing the funding.
Assessor Terri Hartle updated the Commission regarding a tax abatement request from Utah Beef Producers for parcel 1-11-15. The request was based on prior year tax errors caused by incorrect assessment information.
While Hartle has made corrections to the property value for the current year following a site visit, she noted the request to appeal the 2025 value was received too late. The matter is scheduled to be considered during a regular Commission meeting.
