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Weed Board discusses staffing, equipment and a proposed rate increase for private spraying; minutes approved
Summary
Board reported budget approval to hire one seasonal temporary worker, reviewed vehicle and side‑by‑side fleet condition, and discussed raising private spraying fees (proposal: side‑by‑side to $50/hr; truck $75–80/hr) to cover wages and rising costs; minutes were approved by voice vote.
The Duchesne County Weed Board discussed staffing levels, equipment needs and a proposal to raise private‑service fees as members reviewed this year’s workload.
Staff reported that the board’s budget was approved to hire one additional temporary seasonal employee for June–August next year, which will allow three crews to operate concurrently. Members discussed recruitment challenges, certification requirements (noncommercial pesticide license) and suggested raising starting pay for temporary hires from $13 an hour toward $17 to attract reliable workers.
The meeting included an extended review of equipment. The board runs a fleet that includes one older Polaris and several Honda side‑by‑sides; members described maintenance challenges on older machines, discussed trade‑in timing and considered joint purchasing with neighboring counties to secure better pricing. Public surplus and auction channels were mentioned for disposing of older machines.
Members debated private‑service pricing. The board currently charges $30 per hour for a side‑by‑side plus chemicals and $60 per hour for a truck. After discussion of rising wages and operating costs, the group coalesced around raising side‑by‑side fees to $50 per hour and setting a truck rate in the $75–80 range, with a plan to review rates again next year. Members emphasized the fee revenue should at minimum cover labor, fuel and chemical costs.
Formal action recorded in the meeting: an unidentified member moved to approve the minutes from April 14, 2025; another seconded and the board approved the motion by voice vote.
Ending: Staff will post the temporary position, solicit bids for equipment as appropriate, and bring a proposed fee schedule to a future meeting for final adoption.
