Emery County adopts 2026 budget with 3% COLA and adds $1.4M for library capital projects

Emery County commissioners approved the county2026 budget on Dec. 16 after holding a public hearing. The final budget includes a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees and elected officials and a $1.4 million amendment to fund major library capital projects in Ferron, Castle Dale and Huntington.

Finance staff told the commission the amended 2025 budget included higher fee‑in‑lieu and solar revenues and that interest income was up, increasing available funds for capital projects. Commissioners noted variability in mineral lease revenues and that some federal funds receive special handling; staff said one large LATC/COVID carryover would be used for capital and that some projects will carry into 2026.

During public comment Jacob Sharp (Castle Valley Special Service District) summarized revenue and expense drivers for the district; resident Trudy raised a separate complaint about dust and truck traffic near a mineral processing site, requested mitigation including a fence, and asserted zoning irregularities. Commissioners said they would follow up on those site‑specific complaints separately and noted the minutes record previous authority regarding conditions on the conditional use permit.

After returning to the regular meeting, the commission moved, seconded and approved the budget with the library amendment. Commissioners also approved amended 2025 county and Castle Valley SSD budgets in related motions.

The approved FY2026 budget is effective for the county's fiscal year and will be administered by county finance with department oversight; staff noted that department requests and capital projects will be managed through the budget process and that amendments can be made later if needed.