Emery County CRA hires Utah Association of Counties to manage agency administration

The Emery County Community Reinvestment Agency voted to enter a participation services agreement with the Utah Association of Counties (UAC) to manage statutory administrative work for the agency. Chair opened the item and Brandy Grace, a UAC representative, said the proposal covers creating a separate budget for the agency, submitting required filings to the state auditor and arranging independent audits, and assisting with participation agreements and boundary negotiations.

"The proposal that we had put before you was really recognizing some of the work that we've already been doing, but now the expanded scope to include as an agency, you're really required to essentially create a budget," said Brandy Grace, identifying herself as a UAC representative. Grace told the board UAC can negotiate cost-reimbursement agreements so developer-borne legal and boundary-adjustment costs do not fall entirely on the agency.

Commissioners said they value the services and that the CRA’s administrative allocation should fund necessary support. One commissioner moved to approve and another seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote with multiple members saying “yes.” Chair said the county would rely on UAC’s experience in setting up consistent administrative processes going forward.

The agreement formalizes UAC support for tasks the agency does not currently staff in-house, including independent audits, interlocal negotiation help, and drafting participation agreements. The board asked staff and UAC to ensure any developer cost-reimbursements are clearly documented so the county is not unexpectedly liable.