Commissioners press for clearer rodeo-ground watering rules as PRCA rodeo approaches

The Daggett County Commission spent the largest portion of its July 23 meeting on how to water and prepare the Rodeo Grounds ahead of several upcoming events, including a PRCA rodeo Sept. 4–5 and a junior rodeo on Aug. 10.

Commissioners and event organizers described a mix of short-term fixes and longer-term plans: relying on the county’s water truck, using a newly acquired tank, or completing an in-place sprinkler system. A presenter who identified herself as Kate said the consistency of watering has been uneven and pressed the commission for a firm process: "We need it. We gotta have... we gotta be better than that," she said, urging clear standards for how much water is required and who pays for it.

The commission clarified the county’s finance constraint for the water truck: the Chair stated the vehicle was purchased with "B road funds" and "can only be used on B road funds unless it's paid for independently," meaning events using it for arena watering must reimburse the department's hourly rate if not charged to road projects.

Commissioner (3) said the county has historically provided the truck as part of sponsorship for some events while allowing event organizers to cover truck and driver costs when necessary. "We've counted on it... and been willing to pay the rate for the truck and the driver because we know we're gonna use it on the PRCA rodeo," the commissioner said.

Organizers described operational problems this summer: inconsistent hose watering, spots too wet or too dry, and dates being changed without notice, which has created logistical and paperwork issues for those responsible for setup and insurance. One organizer said parents brought horses into facilities and that staff have had trouble reaching event leads to confirm schedules and complete required paperwork.

Technical details were discussed in the meeting: a newly discussed 400-barrel tank (speakers described it as roughly 60,000 gallons total capacity) could be filled from on-site supplies but will take time; filling rates and timing determine whether it can reliably cover an event. Commissioners and staff also debated whether a sprinkler system could be run unattended or would require personnel to monitor timers and distribution.

The meeting did not adopt a single procedural change. Instead, commissioners asked staff to schedule a cross-agency meeting with road, buildings and grounds, fire and event organizers to finalize roles, insurance requirements and a watering timetable before the next rodeos. The commission emphasized it wants to balance public-safety and surface-consistency needs against staff time and cost.

Next steps: staff will coordinate stakeholders to finalize how watering and arena prep will be handled for the remaining summer events.