During the August 4 meeting, the Rich County Commission addressed several local matters including new business licenses, ambulance service fees, and the distribution of economic development funds. The session covered topics ranging from sanitation staffing needs to watershed protection planning.
Several new business licenses were issued during the meeting. Andrew Berry was granted a license for Bear Lake Service Care LLC, a company intended to provide residents with non-medical assistance such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship. Additionally, Brian Gardiner applied for a license to open a restaurant named Blue Bayou, located at 2520 Bear Lake Blvd across from Epic, with a planned opening in May 2027.
Regarding public safety, Kim Wilson presented the costs associated with running ambulances in Rich County. The current call out cost is $1200 with a charge of $35 per mile, and there is no charge for non-transport calls. The Commission approved a $5 increase per mile and a $150 increase for call outs. There are approximately 120 call outs per year.
Rich County Sanitation director Steve Talbot stated he is looking to hire more workers. Additionally, the Commissioners noted that Sunrise Engineering's services for their GSI appear to be running well. The Commissioners will review their contract annually, which costs approximately $20k for a 3-year period.
The Woodruff Creek Irrigation board of directors presented a signed affidavit to accept the NRCS plan for protecting the watershed. This planning work is paid for by the NRCS. The NRCS revised the contract to change the agreement from 100 years to 50 years. County lawyer Ben Willoughby reviewed the contract and determined that due diligence had been served. The County Commissioners act as a pass-through entity for this arrangement and have no financial input.
Nikki Weston, Chair of the Rich County Economic Development Board, discussed state funding provided to rural counties. In 2026, Rich County received $200,000 in economic development funding, the majority of which was awarded to local small businesses. Public safety and infrastructure projects were also considered for funding.
The board, which includes representatives from each county town, a local government entity, and Workforce Services, makes recommendations to the Commission for final funding decisions. The program is administered by the Bear Lake Regional Commission and the Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG). Applications for the 2027 Small Business Grant Program are expected to open in November, assuming state funding levels remain similar to the previous year.
Businesses receiving economic development funding must submit documentation for reimbursement by November. Local businesses are encouraged to monitor the application period to invest in their operations and strengthen the local economy.
