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Emery County Travel Board ratifies proposed tourism budget, discusses $25,000 for EMS retention in Green River
Summary
The board ratified its proposed tourism budget and discussed directing $25,000 toward EMS retention in Green River; members debated equity for West Side garages and the limits of specifying district spending within an intergovernmental EMS district.
The Emery County Travel Board ratified a proposed tourism budget on Oct. 14, 2025 and held an extended discussion about using $25,000 of tourism funds to help retain emergency medical services personnel in Green River.
Kevin Jensen and staff presented the draft budget and explained that the $25,000 allocation would be offered to the EMS district with guidance asking it be applied to retention efforts in Green River; because the EMS provider is a separate district the board acknowledged it could recommend but not unilaterally dictate exact spending.
Board members raised concerns about geographic equity: several members noted West Side garages (Castle Dale, Orangeville, Cleveland, Huntington and others) also face staffing and retention problems and questioned whether concentrating funds on Green River would disadvantage other parts of the county. A board member noted the county has historically used targeted stipends and that the mechanics of an agreement with the district will need to be negotiated and potentially memorialized in an MOU.
After discussion the board moved to ratify the proposed budget as presented (including a $100,000 special projects line and the EMS allocation as a guideline). The motion was made, seconded and passed by roll call.
Staff said they would prepare an agreement or guidance document for the EMS district to clarify the board’s intent and would consider whether an email vote or additional commissioner input is required before finalizing any intergovernmental terms.
The ratified budget also reflects changes to grant expectations and advertising lines tied to grant availability; staff said they may ask the county commission for additional project-specific surplus funds if evidence from data (including the newly approved Placer AI access) supports that request.
