Box Elder County Commissioners on Dec. 18 voted to obligate remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to several county projects, approved multiple routine contracts and appointments and amended the county’s 2024 budget.

The commission approved Resolution 24‑24 to obligate $308,251.28 in ARPA funds for fairground improvements, including completion of a restroom project. County staff said formal resolutions are required to commit ARPA dollars before they can be spent. Commissioners also approved Resolution 2423 to set aside $71,743.16 for employee recognition programs to be spent over calendar years 2025–2026.

During a public hearing, county staff explained several 2024 budget adjustments including higher‑than‑expected state ARPA pass‑through grants and LATCF transfers to cover an emergency management storage building. The commission then approved Resolution 24‑22 to amend the 2024 budget. The auditor said the net general fund change tied to these adjustments was about $24,100.

On administrative contracts, the commission approved Contract 24‑48 to hire a new Board of Equalization hearing officer for property‑value appeals and approved Contract Amendment 2444 to the Crown Castle tower lease at the fairgrounds, subject to final signature by Crown Castle. Commissioners also authorized the county to renew three off‑premise beer licenses (Riverside Corner; Fast Stop in Plymouth; Fast Stop in South Willard), saying the sheriff’s office had signed off on them.

Several appointments and personnel actions were approved. Kevin Hall, owner of Peach City Restaurants, was reappointed to a three‑year term on the Bear River Health Department. Danny Earl, a former Brigham City Police lieutenant, was appointed to the sheriff’s deputy merit commission effective Feb. 1. The commission approved a fee waiver request for use of the fairgrounds indoor arena on Jan. 10 for a benefit roping, contingent on the user signing the facility agreement and providing insurance.

The commission addressed requests related to property taxes. A request by Bob Davis asking forgiveness for greenbelt taxes on parcels affected by a lot‑line adjustment was tabled for further information after the assessor described notices sent and the parcel’s removal from greenbelt as of March 31, 2024. Separately, the commission waived a late‑payment penalty for George Schnerly after he said he had not received a tax bill and pledged to pay immediately.

Commissioners also approved an upgrade to the county ambulance service license to include paramedic care “when available,” and completed routine procedural business, recognized outgoing County Assessor Rod Bennett and Commissioner Summers for their service, and adjourned.

Officials present did not provide a detailed recorded roll‑call tally for each voice vote; motions were approved by voice or unanimous ayes as recorded in the meeting transcript. The commission said staff will return with any additional documentation requested for tabled items and follow up on contract finalization and ARPA reporting requirements.