Duchesne County Commission approves veterans recognition, seasonal road closures and routine agreements

The Duchesne County Commission met Nov. 3 and approved a mix of ceremonial recognitions and routine county business, including a resolution to honor military service and a seasonal road‑closure plan intended to protect wintering elk.

Tommy Mascaro presented Michelle Hall as the commission’s employee of the month for November. "For the month of November, we are pleased to recognize Michelle Hall as the employee of the month," Mascaro said, noting that "Michelle serves as the department head of the public defender's office and played a key role in creating and developing the department from the ground up." Michelle Hall, the honoree, called the recognition a surprise and thanked colleagues: "This was actually a surprise," she said.

The commission then discussed and approved Resolution 25‑11, which the board amended to explicitly recognize military families as well as service members. The final whereas clause reads that the county "appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and their families" and encourages citizens to display green lights from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11. Commissioner Killian moved to approve the resolution as amended; the motion carried.

An official from the wildlife management authority urged the commission to continue seasonal road closures on the Tabby Mountain Wildlife Management Area to reduce disturbance of elk. "Seasonal road closures are December 1 through April 30 each year," the presenter said, describing GPS tracking data the agency uses to identify wintering habitat. The commission approved the road‑closure period on a motion from a commissioner.

On routine business, the commission authorized a fire protection agreement covering 2025 at a contract amount of $28,073.87 with a 2.5% annual increase thereafter; the chair indicated the contract amount had not changed. Jamie Park, payroll specialist, presented an annual APA flex‑spend (FSA) contract and explained that the program includes administrative fees but no employer contributions; commissioners authorized continuing the contract and the chair’s signature. Park also reviewed payroll processing details, including a monthly ACH setup for an insurance premium.

The commission approved payroll for the period ending Oct. 25, 2025 (219 employees were paid) and accepted several business licenses, including Tiffany's Picks LLC (a grocery‑delivery business) and Fruitland Woodworks LLC (a woodworking business). Vouchers, tax adjustments and tax abatements were approved as presented. The board also declared certain county items surplus and approved routine minutes and appointments.

The board briefly entered a closed session for matters related to character, professional competence or health; on return the chair said no action was taken. The meeting adjourned after the closed session.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25‑11 (veterans recognition, amended): approved (motion by Commissioner Killian; seconded as noted in the meeting record). - Tabby Mountain WMA seasonal road closures (Dec. 1–Apr. 30): approved. - Fire protection agreement (2025): approved; contract amount $28,073.87 with 2.5% annual increases. - APA flex‑spend (FSA) contract: approved. - Payroll (ending Oct. 25, 2025): approved (219 employees paid). - Business licenses (Tiffany’s Picks LLC; Fruitland Woodworks LLC): approved.

What’s next: Open enrollment for county benefits is scheduled to start Nov. 12 and will run for two weeks with in‑person and Zoom sessions. The commission also indicated it will circulate finalized copies of approved resolutions to local media.

(Reporting based solely on the Nov. 3 meeting transcript.)