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Duchesne County advisory board approves small-business grant adjustments and new awards
Summary
At its Feb. 11 meeting the Duchesne County Economic Development Advisory Board approved a modest increase to a previously authorized grant, awarded remaining funds to a local trucking business for paving, and capped a gift-shop reimbursement at $10,000 while discussing a proposed micro-grant program for next fiscal year.
The Duchesne County Economic Development Advisory Board on Feb. 11 approved several small-business funding actions intended to keep county grants flowing to local entrepreneurs and to reduce safety risks from muddy access roads.
Board members approved a requested increase to a previously authorized grant application for a block-ice machine after the vendor quote rose. A presenter told the board the final vendor estimate was $9,750; board members noted the amount remained under the county’s $10,000 single-award threshold and confirmed the applicant would still provide the agreed match. The motion to approve the change was made and seconded and carried on a voice vote.
The board also approved using remaining grant funds — roughly $12,000 — to help pay for pavement at a trucking and pipe-stockpiling business located off Highway 40. A board member described the business as generating heavy truck traffic and sticky mud that tracked onto the highway; members said paving the yard would improve safety and support the company’s expansion and matching investment. Leslie moved to approve the project from the remaining balance, Cody seconded, and the motion carried.
A previously approved gift-shop grantee provided receipts and photos showing purchases of an embroidery machine, a screen-printing press and an engraving machine. Total receipts exceeded original estimates; the board resolved to cap the county’s reimbursement at $10,000 in keeping with prior practice for awards that run over estimate. The motion to cap reimbursement was approved unanimously.
Members discussed a proposed micro-grant program of $1,000 awards aimed at very small or new businesses. Board leaders suggested designating $10,000 in next year’s budget so the county could pilot up to ten micro-grants beginning July 1; staff cautioned the program would require additional administrative time. Members asked colleagues to review a revised micro-grant application and plan to revisit formal approval at a future meeting.
In staff reports, board members said the county commission has passed a resolution creating a port-authority-style project area that could be used to structure infrastructure work, and staff are pursuing grant opportunities — including USDA and Forest Service programs — to restore damaged water systems for Moon Lake Resort after a debris flow. Board members also heard local economic updates: steady downtown traffic in Roosevelt, ongoing oilfield activity that may increase local work, and pipeline stockpiles tied to regional projects.
The board’s legislative update highlighted about 30 bills involving elections under consideration at the state Legislature and noted one proposal cited an estimated $6 million annual fiscal note. County representatives said they are monitoring proposed changes to county classifications, transient room tax proposals and childcare assistance bills through the Utah Association of Counties. The meeting adjourned at 2:51 p.m.
The board did not set any new ordinances or county-wide policies at this meeting; most actions were grant-level approvals and program planning requiring future administrative follow-up.
