Daggett County discusses livestock-scale key controls, payment process and fee policy

Daggett County commissioners and staff spent an extended portion of their meeting discussing operations for the county livestock scale, including who should hold keys, how to track users, and how and when users should pay scale fees.

Commissioners said the scale is “as integral as any of those things” to livestock producers and that failures of access or equipment can threaten producers’ livelihoods. An unidentified commissioner summarized the immediate problem as “we get forgetting in the mix of things to get the key,” and urged a practical system so producers do not repeatedly lose time or income.

The discussion identified several operational steps: keep at least two keys in the clerk’s office, create a clearer sign-out form with dates in and out and a detachable receipt, and use the county treasurer’s receipts as proof of payment. Carrie Allison (staff) and the county clerk—referred to in the meeting as Lorinda/Lorenda—were named as people who could help implement access-control guidelines and the revised form.

Commissioners debated payment timing. One commissioner said allowing “a few days” or “a week” to pay after using the scale would be reasonable, provided the user signs the form and the county can follow up if the bill is unpaid. Another participant suggested that payment be due on return of the key or that the receipt accompany the returned key so the treasurer can be shown the payment at business hours.

Several speakers recommended the new sign-out form include: user name, address, phone number, number of head weighed and per-head fee, a clear due date, and a detachable receipt. Staff said a new form already has been drafted; commissioners asked that it include a check column for the treasurer to mark when payment is received.

The group also discussed longer-term policy: adding a fee component to cover repair and future replacement (a capital improvement fund) and the need to bake replacement costs into the fee structure. “We don’t want to make money, but we want it to be functional,” an unidentified commissioner said, adding that a modest fee to build a replacement account should be considered.

No formal motion was taken. Commissioners agreed to continue work outside the regular meeting—one commissioner suggested a separate work session to finalize the form and fee recommendations. The meeting record shows staff were directed to refine the sign-out form, ensure two keys are maintained in the clerk’s office, coordinate payment tracking with the treasurer, and return with recommended language and potential fee structure for future adoption.