Emery County board tables extra small-business grants, approves 2026 funding split and moves to pursue larger competitive grant

The Emery County Economic Development Board on an undated meeting discussed how to spend remaining rural county grant money and whether to prioritize small business improvement awards or recruitment for the Emery Industrial Park.

A board member proposed awarding $5,000 apiece to 11 previously unfunded applicants — a roughly $60,000 request assuming a 1:1 match — citing recent local projects that used earlier grants to renovate storefronts, buy equipment and open new services. Staff member Natalie explained an attestation form for the 2025 rural county grant must be signed and submitted as part of the program reporting.

The board spent much of the session weighing two strategies: continue funding local small-business projects that provide immediate benefits to existing enterprises, or invest in marketing and recruitment (including a master plan and asset package) to attract larger employers to the industrial park. Jordan reported the master plan request for proposals had been reissued, with contractor selection expected in about a month; several members said showing design and parcel details would help recruitment efforts.

State economic partners were a recurring topic. An outreach manager for the grant program told the board that counties are being encouraged by the state to spend down allocated funds and warned that program guidance could change in future years. Several board members expressed skepticism about past responsiveness from EDC Utah (the state economic development corporation) and said they wanted the agency or GOEO representatives to explain what services they currently provide before the board shifts more funds away from local grants. One board member said, “let’s get them down here” to put state partners “in the hot seat.”

After extended discussion, a board member moved to table the proposal to add the $60,000 for the business improvement grants and to continue with the existing plan; the motion passed by voice vote with one member recorded in opposition. The board left open the option to revisit the request after receiving information from state partners and further progress on the master plan.

Separately, staff asked how the board wanted to allocate the county’s $200,000 rural county grant request for 2026. The board agreed to the following earmarks on the application: $115,000 for the business improvement grant program, $10,000 for the junior entrepreneur program and $75,000 for business recruitment and economic development efforts. A member moved to place those amounts on the application and the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Board staff and members discussed delivery models for recruitment and long‑term economic development support, debating whether to fund a full‑time economic development director with grant funds or to contract the work to consultants or marketing firms. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a clear asset package for the industrial park — brochures, website materials and parcel maps — to use in outreach to prospective companies.

The board also reviewed the Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG), a competitive GOEO program that this year had a smaller statewide pool (about $2.5 million) and awards up to $600,000. Staff encouraged submitting an intent to apply (not required but recommended) to improve competitiveness. The board voted to recommend that the county submit an intent to apply and included an amendment that the full application be completed by Oct. 31 if pursued.

The board tentatively scheduled a September meeting (staff suggested Sept. 8) and asked staff to invite GOEO/EDC Utah to present so members could hear what services those agencies would provide and how membership dollars were being used.

In public comment, Pam Whitmire introduced herself as a resident and described a small tourism business she intends to propose next year (Rochester Ranch Retreat), asking the board to remember “the little people” when considering grants and resources. Board staff offered to share contacts and resources for tourism and astrotourism workshops.

The meeting concluded with staff agreeing to circulate materials and calendar invites and to follow up on requests for state partners to present.

What the board decided

- Tabled an immediate reallocation (~$60,000) to award $5,000 to 11 additional businesses; will reconsider after state partners present and master plan advances. - Approved earmarked amounts to include on the 2026 rural county grant application: $115,000 business improvement grants; $10,000 junior entrepreneur program; $75,000 recruitment/marketing. - Recommended the county submit an intent to apply for the Rural Communities Opportunity Grant and requested staff pursue the full application by Oct. 31 if appropriate.

Next steps

Staff (Natalie) will place the approved amounts on the September application, schedule a September meeting to host state economic partners or accept virtual presentations, finalize master plan procurement timelines and follow up with applicants and municipal project lists for potential use of funds.