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Commissioners discuss Manila High scholarship criteria and whether county funds may support awards
Summary
Commissioners discussed formalizing criteria for a Manila High School scholarship program, options for funding and legal limits on using county funds for direct scholarships; county attorney agreed to research and advise.
Daggett County commissioners discussed creating or formalizing scholarship criteria for graduating students at Manila High School and whether county funds may be used to support awards.
Why it matters: Commissioners want to support local graduates but raised legal and administrative limits on counties giving money directly to individuals. Clarifying how scholarships can be structured affects whether awards can be funded from the county, a county board, TRT, or by private donations.
Discussion and context: Staff proposed documenting volunteer and citizenship criteria, adding an award for “most improved” students, and creating a formal application process for next school year. Historically, individual commissioners have donated modest sums directly to graduates; commissioners discussed whether that should continue for this year while a policy is developed.
Legal question and next steps: The county attorney said he saw no obvious legal barrier to a county establishing a scholarship fund that channels funds to the school district with specific selection criteria, but he will research and provide a written recommendation. Commissioners asked the county attorney to confirm whether county money can be pooled into a scholarship fund and distributed via the school or another nonprofit without creating a prohibited direct payment to an identified individual.
Funding and logistics: Commissioners discussed soliciting voluntary donations from county employees to supplement commissioner contributions for this year’s award and suggested a short deadline for collecting contributions so a payment can be made before graduation.
Ending: The county attorney will report back with a recommendation on possible legal structures; staff will solicit employee donations if commissioners choose to continue a one-off award this year.
