Council discusses code-enforcement staffing, state-surplus truck purchase and animal-shelter arrangement with Delta vet

The mayor and council reported a productive meeting with newly assigned code enforcement officer Manny Escoto, who described a priority to focus on Main Street and requested autonomy to begin enforcement work. Council and staff discussed a proposed part‑time compensation level (about $1,500 per month) at roughly 12–14 hours per week, paid through payroll with Social Security/Medicare but without retirement contributions; council members said they will formalize part‑time employment and liability coverage through payroll.

Councilmembers discussed acquiring a surplus state vehicle (a 2017 Ford F‑150 on the state surplus list) as a code-enforcement/administrative vehicle. The truck listing included maintenance records, four-wheel drive and a shell; council members debated whether to repair an existing city truck or buy the state-surplus vehicle. Several members indicated the capital outlay budget likely contains sufficient funds and that procurement timing could be expedited if the money is already appropriated.

On animal control, councilmembers said Joab County lacks a municipal pound and discussed a Delta veterinary clinic that will accept stray dogs from surrounding towns. The vet’s representative explained the clinic holds stray dogs for seven days at $20 per day with a reduced community rate and attempts to adopt animals or transfer unclaimed animals to a shelter; the clinic said it will provide intake and billing coordination with the city so the city can recoup fees paid to the vet from owners.

Ending: Council members asked staff to confirm procurement steps for a state‑surplus vehicle if funds are available and to formalize the part‑time code-enforcement position and an intake process with the Delta veterinary clinic for stray animals.