During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing challenges related to filling a critical position at Utah State University (USU) that has remained vacant for an extended period. The conversation highlighted difficulties in attracting qualified candidates due to salary constraints and a lack of direct supervision, which has contributed to a high turnover rate.

The position, initially contracted in October 2022, has seen a \"false start\" with a previous employee leaving after just three months. USU representatives expressed disappointment over the inability to fill the role, indicating that they are open to returning unused funds to Grand County or potentially reallocating them to create a revolving loan fund. They proposed that the county could contribute additional funds to make the position more attractive, suggesting an increase of approximately $17,000 to extend the contract to three years.

Concerns were raised about the limitations of the current salary range, which caps between $70,000 and $77,000, making it difficult to attract highly qualified candidates. The discussion also touched on the need for a strong supervisory presence at USU, which has been lacking due to the dean's responsibilities being spread across multiple campuses.

Commissioners considered various options, including the possibility of adding a clause to the contract that would allow for cancellation if the position remains unfilled for six months. They emphasized the importance of local involvement in the hiring process to ensure collaboration and continuity.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the staffing issues at USU and the potential need for increased funding to secure a qualified candidate, while also exploring the implications of not filling the position for Grand County residents. The commissioners expressed a willingness to support efforts to stabilize the role, recognizing the importance of the position for the community.