[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6535009,"mediaKeyId","3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7","parentId",3442176,"title","Commission approves extension on search‑and‑rescue podcast contract after contractor cites extra work","audioSeconds",3845,"startMs",2935000,"endMs",6780000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7&start=2935&end=6780","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7/thumbnail_2935000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6535009/Utah/Commission-approves-extension-on-searchandrescue-podcast-contract-after-contractor-cites-extra-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535009-fe5aec037fa50f910db3b56b35a9847e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903791&Signature=FH37KAGbZ1mBc-wZfDgULDtwDSZ54n~mY5DXwIF7-pRj~wbJP1mwtR4scm0p2SeuW2lj7O-Wo3SsnpW3FhtXWqA97uRymehWy3b~WkkytrvMpTIqosvb7oFtF0gQunVqb4n0lBzIGX3Kt7KJU9mOQbPaFeYw7QvfoKP53yizjZVEbsXJ6DLhv6bKFjg~c-bA5nR9XjswwbUhibKFGzXT8SWuuVsmLYpX~Dl-H5wzugF16Ntfv5A5yU-33Kq1pC44sLPR08BU4LIJvEMB8rNA5b6YRvCxLYqILZS5sE8SZ3b-yZeFC0DNEdeJob5DEfSdPTZJpGMEODOwozIZfQyE0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-22T08:42:57.95Z","article","The commission approved an amendment extending the completion date of an independent‑contract podcast project about Grand County Search and Rescue until Nov. 30 in order to finish remaining episodes and the distribution setup.

County staff originally contracted with KZMU (community radio) for six podcast episodes focused on outdoor rescue stories, responsible recreation and Search and Rescue operations. Project managers told the commission the planning and interview phase required substantially more hours than estimated because locating and clearing interview subjects and reviewing incident reports took far longer than anticipated.

Contractor Molly Marcello, who produced the episodes, said she and station partners spent extra time securing permissions, working with Search and Rescue and the sheriff’s office and shaping the tone to emphasize safe outcomes: “The workload to make the phenomenal product that these podcasts are — was much more complex than was anticipated,” Marcello said. She said several episodes were complete and additional material would be finished in the coming weeks.

County Attorney Steven raised legal and policy concerns about new contract language that would allow underwriting or a broadcasting right; he cautioned that any arrangement that effectively sells advertising or allows third‑party underwriting tied to government content creates additional obligations and potential appearance problems. Commissioners debated whether to approve a station‑broadcasting option and an underwriting add‑on; a substitute motion to extend the contract’s completion date to Nov. 30 without approving additional underwriting passed unanimously.

What the extension covers: the amendment extends the contract timeline so the county can receive the remaining episodes, and gives staff time to prepare distribution (RSS feeds, artwork and hosting) and any editorial credits. KZMU representatives and the contractor told the commission the podcasts will be ready for county review in late June or July; the county asked for a short window to complete publishing infrastructure without repeating extensions.

Ending: commissioners emphasized oversight of contractor deliverables and thanked Search and Rescue, the contractor and station staff for completing episodes that officials said could also advance safe‑recreation messaging to visitors. The commission did not approve the additional underwriting payment at this time; staff said they could return with a separate request if the county wanted to underwrite broadcast placement or purchase slots on community radio.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5.20.25 Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners approved an extension to a county contract with community radio and a contractor to finish a Search and Rescue podcast series, after producers said interview outreach and permissions required far more time than originally estimated.","taxTitle","Grand County Boards and Commissions, Grand County, Utah","taxId",67556,"location","Utah","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6535014,"Grand County schedules urgent budget workshop after state auditor flags TRT uses",825,6360000,7185000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7&start=6360&end=7185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7/thumbnail_6360000.jpg","/articles/6535014/Utah/Grand-County-schedules-urgent-budget-workshop-after-state-auditor-flags-TRT-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535014-3a6b62e79734968b20151da4d27a0cf3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903791&Signature=YGjd1~nyltv0AdwpW4OcHlTDfijh-4tZYNJ5Pdpxqwmf-sf~ZnI2qihCn8QiXIaVoaxluqrqpp2N3GJYf-h-udSzuch~9OWU00BVHCQ6ddzeAiGxFPVJWPGNzZmG2UCv126sDdJkYwEY7Ka-G8fF0El6G6T6QD20KM4l85GskCFCJpL7EJfSp7QsnS5jo9kbLb8fXkUZK4Xkh97hshWH81P-jTDW3Td2Fgzw08OVDd1GSBHb2R5KVlwZ7~vpTppQ3I9DdfSxOPrSrfloUHkzLd6TQlOQrGU~74AFKUQC7KsZF970Wiin1MrjigkIJbIEi4pzAHCEh-9CXgMLG~zpQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grand County commissioners scheduled an expedited budget workshop after county finance staff identified past TRT expenditures that the state auditor found noncompliant.

County Auditor Gabe (last name in transcript) told the commission he confirmed that $182,000 previously classified as TRT promotion had actually paid for Trail Ambassador activities that the state auditor considers unallowable in the promotional fund. The auditor asked the commission to open the budget and take corrective action to restore and reclassify affected funds.

Why it matters: Transient room tax revenues (TRT) come with statutory restrictions. The state auditor’s accepted findings require the county to restore promotion accounts and ensure future compliance — a step county auditors said is urgent because the prior interpretation of allowable uses was incorrect and because the county must maintain eligibility for future grant and TRT programs.

What the county will do: The commission agreed to a special budget workshop to discuss TRT compliance, funding shortfalls, and unplanned 2025 expenses. Commissioners set the workshop for May 27, starting at 8:30 a.m. and scheduled to run until 11:30 a.m. County staff said they will prepare updated revenue projections, a breakdown of reserve accounts and proposed amendment language so the commission can consider corrective transfers or other remedies.

Public comment and concern: Multiple speakers during the citizens’ portion urged immediate action. One caller who identified herself as Liv said she had researched Trail Ambassador funding and warned that the county “is using funds that it’s not intended for,” and argued that TRT pay for promotional activities, not routine trail maintenance or personnel on federal land. Another commenter, Lehi Jackson, said the county must manage reserves carefully and avoid measures that would force property tax increases.

Commissioners’ views: Commissioners acknowledged earlier confusion over the state auditor’s language and the timing of steps taken during the budget process last winter. Several commissioners called for transparency and quick remedial steps; the county auditor apologized for the misunderstanding and recommended the formal workshop and a process to amend the budget and to seek clarification from the state auditor for any future use of TRT tied to recreation, film and convention funding.

Ending: The county will hold the targeted budget workshop on May 27 with staff materials to explain the revenue shortfall, the auditor’s findings and proposed corrective actions. The commission said it expects to begin a formal budget‑amendment process in subsequent meetings and to coordinate with the state auditor’s office on any actions involving TRT funds.","After a state audit found transient room tax (TRT) money was used for non‑promotional Trail Ambassador activities, the county auditor recommended action and commissioners scheduled a May 27 budget workshop to address compliance and 2025 funding shortfalls.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6535019,"Grand County approves purchase of permanent home for Children’s Justice Center",5386,88000,5474000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7&start=88&end=5474","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7/thumbnail_88000.jpg","/articles/6535019/Utah/Grand-County-approves-purchase-of-permanent-home-for-Childrens-Justice-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535019-24f893c7a804c87c11539c197802b664/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903791&Signature=HDCObiZu9SGwPUPm8oZ6pZIFvUJeVejvwk4wD4onqVU06m0FLZWljcYM9xBVmugwCOwQzcGN8XtZ6LkU-fhGef9qpny0BrAepHjP5ehnqt~P1COElhVpBmJ2fTqxDMkVG~CURTpF0JBTuUsWAJCdbNLciKYwWsFkiDQKy6tO2GBw1CnB5qp79Dmv06lgx9XnhWetTHVrTb1EGek9ErLcpac0ZgFfT-ANLi4FEsyp6UNTcqC2XM7ti9bz97JIK1lgZrAQx4yjrzEhj5cmBK0lChYteYAzL4vtoXLMzT-~OzkqJvqoQgdEog8-ueAUV7SB~kanLifWoUf9~I-aD-Mjyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grand County commissioners approved purchase of a Moab home to become a permanent Children’s Justice Center, voting to move forward after presentations from the Utah CJC program and public supporters.

The purchase was approved by motion and second and passed on a vote; commissioners voted to buy the property described as parcel number 02‑0SDE‑0023 (2473 Vista Grand Drive, Moab). The state has committed a one‑time grant to help fund the acquisition and the agreement includes a return‑of‑funds clause if the county later repurposes or sells the building.

Why it matters: county and state officials described the center as the location where forensic interviews and medical exams for child abuse victims occur. Prosecutors and investigators said a facility sized and configured for trauma‑informed care improves evidence collection, protects victims’ privacy, and reduces the need for children to repeat traumatic accounts.

State deputy director Heather Stewart of the Utah CJC program told commissioners the current leased space in Moab is “woefully inadequate” and that, because of one‑time legislative funds, “we have this timely and unique opportunity to give the CJC a permanent location owned by the county to replace the existing space.” She said the building under consideration is comparable in size to CJC facilities in other rural Utah counties and that state funding would have to be returned if the county discontinued use as a CJC.

County attorneys, prosecutors and victim‑service advocates urged approval. Grand County’s county attorney (speaking in support) said the CJC is where children begin the path to healing and where properly conducted interviews can make the difference in whether serious criminal charges are filed. Several residents — including people who said they had personal experience with the CJC or worked in victim services — also spoke in favor of buying a facility sized to meet the county’s caseload and safety standards.

Opposition and fiscal questions: a handful of commissioners and at least one speaker urged caution over the price and features of the specific house the county proposed to buy, calling parts of the listing “opulent” and saying the county could find less expensive properties that would meet the program’s needs. Commissioners discussed other homes that had been considered and the cost tradeoffs.

Vote and next steps: Commissioner McCurdy moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner McCandless seconded. The motion passed with six votes in favor and one abstention. The county will complete necessary closing steps and work with the state CJC program on the contract and conditions tied to the state one‑time funding. The county attorney and administration said they will bring follow‑up implementation details and any required minor adjustments back to the commission.

The state official and the county’s CJC director emphasized that the facility must be maintained and operated to national standards and cited the National Children’s Alliance guidance that CJC facilities be “psychologically and physically safe for children, teens, and families” and be appropriate for forensic interviews and medical exams.

Ending: With the purchase approved, county staff said they will proceed to closing and return to the commission with implementation details and any required site modifications to make the house suitable for forensic interviews, medical exams and multidisciplinary team meetings.","Grand County commissioners voted to buy a house in Moab to serve as a permanent Children’s Justice Center after state CJC officials and local law‑enforcement and survivors’ advocates said the current space is inadequate for trauma‑informed forensic interviewing and medical exams.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":80,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6535004,"Votes at a glance: Grand County Commission actions and outcomes",1791,5394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7&start=5394&end=7185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442176-470daa973748082381f7667783564da7/thumbnail_5394000.jpg","/articles/6535004/Utah/Votes-at-a-glance-Grand-County-Commission-actions-and-outcomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535004-e33638df516946c3e9e207f74e2cdf68/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903791&Signature=EwE6CT6617bScFOki9QPra6OLc4Lh1oANiIuOqsU4ge0pamHBYUqohelL0Ui54fGGIbfId~jbqpuruc8LOJN6aXwPa1MValcP0iN7rvAJzSaI57la5aU4n6gWzK3AXQY6rwLgwcw818bn6R91hd39RcAQX9xmo5kSZoc48XxllAeC6FWIlwIAmM4SZYo5P4XtDv-RFnvWtH5Yzqg94Sbi7Yf6XaID9RoBeTViFVQMwOiSI33bTLhOVYjgia5~XApO~Hq3AzrVn87m1oJcWTt-pXUOpWjbVXfHnAgT3Qs5xyOVbW3yp~BHe7VHi0B8h3qACX4C-I8ZCcGWlgnilyP5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Summary of formal actions and votes taken at the Grand County Commission meeting (selected items):

1) Purchase of property for Children’s Justice Center
- Motion: Approve purchase of 2473 Vista Grand Drive (parcel 02‑0SDE‑0023) to serve as the county’s permanent Children’s Justice Center, accepting state one‑time funding and associated contract conditions.
- Mover/Second: Commissioner McCurdy / Commissioner McCandless
- Vote: Approved (Yes: 6; Abstain: 1)
- Notes: State funding carries a return‑of‑funds clause if the county later repurposes or sells the facility.

2) Independent contractor agreement (podcast): timeline extension
- Motion: Amend independent contractor agreement with KZMU to extend completion to Nov. 30, 2025; defer decision on underwriting to a later request.
- Mover/Second: Substitute motion (Commissioner McCurdy / Commissioner Martinez)
- Vote: Approved (Unanimous)
- Notes: Contractor and station described substantially higher research and interview hours than originally estimated; county to receive remaining episodes and then consider underwriting separately if requested.

3) Creation of an economic development coordinator & public information officer position
- Motion: Approve creation of the position and authorize recruitment and associated personal services.
- Mover/Second: Commissioner McCurdy / Commissioner Martinez
- Vote: Approved (majority; specific recorded opposition and one abstention during vote)
- Notes: Commissioners differed on timing (some sought postponement until budget workshop); position split approx. 75% economic development / 25% public information in the job description.

4) Schedule budget workshop to address TRT compliance and 2025 shortfalls
- Motion: Schedule a special budget workshop to discuss TRT compliance, funding shortfalls and unplanned 2025 expenses.
- Mover/Second: Commissioner McCurdy / Commissioner Hadler
- Vote: Approved (Unanimous)
- Notes: Workshop set for May 27, 2025, 08:30–11:30; county auditor to present updated revenue/projection and reserve status.

5) Ranking and approval of 2026 CIB list
- Motion: Approve the 2026 CIB ranked project list as presented.
- Mover/Second: Commissioner McCandless / (second recorded)
- Vote: Approved (6‑0; one commissioner absent)
- Notes: List forwarded per procedure for CIB consideration and grant scoping.

6) Point of contact for Dolores Triangle MOU with BLM
- Motion: Appoint Commissioner Winfield as point of contact and Commissioner Martinez as backup POC for the Dolores Triangle MOU.
- Mover/Second: Commissioner McCurdy / Commissioner McCandless
- Vote: Approved (4‑3)
- Notes: Divided votes reflected differing views on liaison assignments.

7) Postponed consent‑agenda items
- Item F (ratification of a non‑conversion agreement, building department) and Item O (bid award for playground/pickleball and related OSTA approvals) were removed from consent and postponed for further consideration; motions to postpone passed by vote.

8) Letter of support: enhanced crosswalk visibility on Highway 191
- Motion: Approve letter to UDOT supporting higher‑visibility crosswalks along US‑191 in and near Moab (commission directed staff to separately draft a letter regarding left‑turn signal improvements).
- Vote: Approved (unanimous)

Provenance: Each of the motions and associated vote tallies are recorded in the meeting transcript during the “General Business” and “Regular Business” sections; the CJC purchase and podcast extension drew the most extended discussion and public testimony.

Ending: County staff will execute next steps for each approved item and return to the commission with implementation details or contract paperwork when required.","At the meeting commissioners approved the Children’s Justice Center purchase, a podcast contract extension, creation of an economic development/public information position, scheduling of a budget workshop, approval of CIB priorities and named a federal‑lands point of contact. The body also postponed two consent items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves extension on search‑and‑rescue podcast contract after contractor cites extra work

Grand County schedules urgent budget workshop after state auditor flags TRT uses

Grand County approves purchase of permanent home for Children’s Justice Center

Votes at a glance: Grand County Commission actions and outcomes