Commissioners open talks with Fillmore City on future of Fillmore Equestrian Racetrack; no sale or closure decided

Millard County commissioners spent substantial time discussing possible alternatives for the Fillmore Equestrian Racetrack, hearing public concerns and directing staff to continue conversations with Fillmore City, the school district and other stakeholders.

The chair said he had contacted Fillmore’s mayor and reported the city council expressed willingness to enter further discussions about taking over the racetrack property (and possibly the indoor arena); the chair emphasized that no final decision had been made. "It was unanimous for who was there," one county official said about the city council’s willingness to discuss, and the county said any talks would be exploratory.

Commissioners and staff discussed options including a land swap, relocating the outdoor arena to contiguous county-owned land, and how to address chronic blow-sand intrusion into the facility — a maintenance issue several speakers described as the primary operational problem. One commissioner summarized the technical challenge: "Blow sand is the number one issue," and commissioners discussed possible barrier fencing and vegetation as partial remedies.

Several public commenters urged the county not to remove facilities without a master plan. Ed Phillips of Kanosh told the commission to avoid tearing down infrastructure without broader public input and a long-range plan; other commenters suggested maximizing existing soccer fields inside the racetrack and exploring relocation options.

The commission did not take a formal vote on ownership or sale. Commissioners instructed staff to continue discussions with Fillmore City and the school district, to explore possible land-exchange scenarios and to report back with options and cost estimates. Any transfer or sale would require future public hearings and formal action.