Senate confirmation committee deadlocks on Winfield nomination to Community Impact Fund Board

A Senate confirmation committee on an unspecified date failed to favorably recommend William "Bill" Winfield to the Permanent Community Impact Fund Board after a 2-2 tie vote, leaving the nomination to advance to the full Senate without the committee's endorsement.

Commissioner Bill Winfield, who was elected commissioner at large in Grand County in November 2022, told the panel he grew up in Grand County, has spent much of his career in construction and small-scale housing development, and has built intercounty relationships through the local association of governments and the Utah Association of Counties. "Am I experienced and qualified? Probably will never be able to fill Mister Adams' shoes," Winfield said, adding that he would do his best to serve the region.

The nomination drew public support from Kevin Clyde, who told the committee he has known Winfield for more than a decade and described him as "willing to listen" and effective at building relationships across the district. Clyde urged the committee to confirm Winfield for his understanding of local funding issues and his ties to legislators who can help rural communities tap state and federal resources.

Some committee members opposed sending a favorable recommendation to the Senate, saying the Permanent Community Impact Fund Board, which distributes monies largely derived from mineral-leasing and related revenues, needs a broader range of perspectives. "We really have one perspective being represented, especially on a board like this that is really dealing with oil and gas revenues," Senator Bluen said, arguing the committee should cast a wider net for appointees.

Senator Wilson moved that the committee "favorably recommend William Winfield as a member of the Permanent Community Impact Fund Board." The motion failed on a 2-2 tie; committee members did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript. Committee staff told members the nomination will still be forwarded to the full Senate but without the committee's recommendation.

The discussion touched on how CIB funds are spent — committee members referenced mineral-leasing revenues and the need to prioritize local mitigation and infrastructure projects for smaller and rural communities — and on recent tensions around transient-room-tax (TRT) revenue issues in some counties. Winfield said he had helped work toward settlements with the state auditor and emphasized his interest in rural infrastructure projects. He declined to take a definitive stance on specific controversial projects without consulting peers on the board.

With the committee divided, the nomination process continues at the full Senate chamber, where the body will consider the appointment with no favorable committee recommendation.