Commission reviews correspondence on possible jail reuse and Forest Service prescribed burns during shutdown

Daggett County commissioners on Oct. 7, 2025 reviewed correspondence including an inquiry from the Baptiste Group about potential use of the county jail and an email from Jason Grama of the U.S. Forest Service concerning possible prescribed fire during the federal government shutdown.

Why it matters: Both items could involve county facilities or public-safety considerations and may require follow-up coordination with state and federal agencies.

What was said: Commissioners noted the Baptiste Group email and discussed seeking more information about potential uses for the jail. One commissioner said they would like to “talk to him a little bit more about that and see if we can find a good use for the jail.” A commissioner reported contacting a staff member in the governor’s Office of Management and Budget to arrange a meeting but said they were still waiting for a response. Separately, the commission noted an email from Forest Service staff saying they “may do some prescribed fire burning during the shutdown” and that the Forest Service was asking who to correspond with if approval becomes possible. The commission member said they would reach back out to Jason Grama.

Details and context: The transcript records these items as correspondence included in the packet; no formal motions or county approvals were made at the meeting related to either item. The commissioners did not provide specific timelines, approval criteria, or funding details for reuse of the jail. The Forest Service message was described as preliminary and contingent on approvals during the federal shutdown.

Next steps: Commissioners indicated they would follow up—seeking a meeting with the governor's Office of Management and Budget contact about the Baptiste Group inquiry and responding to the Forest Service about correspondence channels should prescribed burns proceed.