Commission awards general-plan rewrite contract to Planning Outpost

Morgan County commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Planning Outpost to rewrite the county general plan and incorporate area plans as individual chapters. Staff said the Planning Outpost proposal was the lowest responsive proposal and offered more public meetings (eight) than the competing bid. Valerie Claussen, owner of Planning Outpost, introduced her team and described local capacity for public engagement and technical work. Commissioners emphasized that area plans submitted by residents should be incorporated but standardized for consistency in land‑use designations and that public meetings in each area are essential to the process. Why it matters: The general plan sets a countywide policy framework for land use, infrastructure and capital planning. Updating it clarifies future land‑use designations, helps match impact-fee project lists to community needs and supports coordinated infrastructure decisions. Details: Commissioners asked staff to incorporate existing area plans (for example, Mountain Green–Peterson) as individual chapters but to allow the consultant to harmonize land‑use categories and definitions. The commission requested that Planning Outpost ensure area plans are not simply appended to the back of the plan but embedded with consistent formatting and policy language. The contract was awarded by motion from Commissioner Newton, seconded by Commissioner Blocker. Next steps: Planning Outpost will begin public outreach and work with county staff to compile existing area plans, schedule community meetings and deliver a draft general plan for commission review. The commission asked staff to deliver any outstanding area plan drafts to the consultant quickly so the consultant can include them as chapters.