The Sevier County Commission approved a series of administrative and infrastructure measures during June 2026, including new personnel hires, fairgrounds facility agreements, and a multimillion-dollar watershed work plan. During meetings held on June 8 and June 22, commissioners addressed water rights for the Brooklyn Special Service District and finalized the county's tax rates for the 2026 fiscal year.
Water Rights and Annexation
During its June 22 meeting, the Sevier County Commission approved Resolution 2026-6-2, which authorizes the annexation of property to the Brooklyn Special Service District. According to the commission, the annexation involves three or four parcels that agreed to trade well rights to join the district, a move intended to provide additional water resources.
Commissioner Ralph Brown noted that the addition of these well rights and the subsequent drilling of a new well would offer a significant advantage by replacing a portion of the water currently sourced from Elsinore Town. Commissioner Greg Jensen added that maintaining the well rights rather than selling them off would help reduce the volume of water required from Elsinore Town, thereby supporting long-term growth.
Commissioners also confirmed that the work for the district has remained under budget, and the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) has approved the use of excess funds to facilitate the drilling of the well.
New Personnel and Budget Adjustments
The commission also finalized several personnel decisions and administrative updates. On June 22, the board approved the hiring of two new employees recommended by HR Director Craig Blake. Austin Webster was hired as a Mosquito Abatement Sprayer at a rate of $20.76 per hour, effective June 1, 2026. Adam Perschon was hired as a GIS Administrator at $42.07 per hour, effective June 16, 2026.
These hires necessitated budget adjustments previously discussed by Clerk/Auditor Steven C. Wall. During the June 8 meeting, the commission approved moving funds from the Recorder’s budget to the new GIS Department to accommodate the new administrator.
Additionally, the commission confirmed the appointment of Anthony Giddings as the new Landfill Supervisor, a position previously filled by staff working at the facility, according to the June 8 minutes.
Fairgrounds and Watershed Projects
Infrastructure and fairgrounds improvements were a primary focus for the commission in June. On June 22, the board approved a Professional Services Agreement with Ensign Engineering for approximately $26,700 to replace the Pavilion Stage and Storage Building at the Sevier County Fairgrounds. While the commission reviewed an agreement with Campbell Architecture, LLC for similar work, they took no action on that proposal because a contract for the facility replacement had already been established.
In addition to facility updates, the commission approved a new fee schedule and updated policies for the Sevier County Fairgrounds. Fairgrounds Supervisor Colton Conder presented these changes, which included new policies regarding blackout dates, holiday use, and cancellations.
Regarding the regional watershed, the commission approved the Richfield-West Sevier Watershed Work Plan Agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) during its June 8 meeting. This $20 million project, which follows an approved Environmental Impact Study, involves a cost-share agreement requiring approximately $127,800 from the county. The project aims to construct a retention basin and dam in the Flat Canyon area to mitigate damage from previous flash flooding. The county will be responsible for maintaining the structure for the next 102 years.
Taxation and Legal Agreements
The commission also addressed fiscal and legal matters, including the adoption of 2026 tax rates. During the June 8 meeting, Clerk/Auditor Steven Wall reported that the county's certified tax rate for 2026 is 0.002434, with a rate of 0.000280 for the County Assessing and Collecting Levy. The commission noted that the 2026 tax rate is lower than the previous year's rate.
Other fiscal actions included the approval of the Indigent Defense Commission Grant Agreement for the 2026-27 cycle, covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The commission also reviewed and approved the May Payment Approval Report and various assessor adjustments to the tax roll to ensure greenbelt designations were correctly marked prior to the mailing of Valuations Notices.
In a separate matter, the commission approved Resolution 2026-2-1, which authorizes the county to pick up Public Safety employee retirement contributions following an increase in URS contribution requirements to 5.98% for employees.
Community Milestones
The June meetings also served to recognize significant community milestones and retirements. Commissioner Jensen noted the retirement of Jody Gale from the USU Extension in Annabella, expressing appreciation for Gale's contributions to the county and local agriculture.
Other notable community updates provided during the meetings included:
- Commissioner Johnson reported on the success of the balloon festival in Salina, which featured two days of well-attended activities.
- Commissioner Johnson announced the retirement of Johnny Parsons, who served the county for approximately 47 years.
- Commissioner Brown reported on the Miss Sevier Pageant, noting that Morgan Dickinson won the title of Miss Sevier and the Heart of Miss Sevier award.
- The commission noted a dividend received from the Workers’ Compensation Fund Insurance totaling $4,498.80.
Meeting Conclusion
The June 22 meeting concluded at 2:05 p.m. following the approval of various administrative items, including assessor adjustments and the approval of the minutes from the previous June 8 commission meeting.
