Juab County Commission rezones 36 acres to industrial, approves $394,149 equipment grant

The Juab County Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 5 to rezone two parcels totaling just over 36 acres from A1 agricultural and GMRF to industrial by adopting Ordinance 2026-9, with a 66-foot road right-of-way dedication included in the motion, according to the signed meeting minutes ^[1].

Representatives of Raccoon Eye Properties LLC told the commission the plan is to create lots for outdoor dry storage for contractors and other businesses that need space outside town. They said no buildings were planned initially and that uses would need to comply with county code. Commissioners discussed consistency with Nephi City's industrial growth plans ^[1].

During the county ordinances item, a speaker asked whether a proposed data center in an A1 agricultural zone could be made compatible with its surroundings, citing water availability and other impacts. He urged a phased approach with bonding for road costs and said he would not support approving the full project at once. County Attorney Jared Rowley said industry may be considered as a conditional use that the Planning Commission would assess, and that the commissioners share concerns about water, electricity, emissions and noise and are communicating with the developer. Commissioner Marv Kenison noted that the project's water source would need approval ^[1].

The commission approved three grant-funded purchases. They were $7,500 from a JAG grant for 17 Starlink devices for patrol vehicles, a $394,149 Community Projects Grant for Tasers, cameras, body cameras and a mobile evidence incinerator, and a $36,745 off-highway vehicle grant for a Search and Rescue side-by-side. The old side-by-side and trailer were declared surplus ^[1].

The commission approved the annual $200,000 Rural County Economic Development Grant contract, of which $15,000 is reserved for the Rural Entrepreneur Academy, and $9,780 of a $75,000 state EMS grant for virtual-reality training and a critical-care body-donor lab. EMS Director Mika Sperry said she is looking for a mental-health transport vehicle, possibly bought with a $30,000 reimbursement, and will return for approval ^[1].

Lynn Ingram received approval to buy six grader tires for $6,873 through state contract pricing and to spend up to $48,000 on engineering for a permanent culvert to replace a flood-damaged desert road crossing. He recommended a 12-foot structure and will return with a construction estimate. The commission also discussed EMS staffing shortages, reduced volunteer availability and rising call volume. Commissioner Marv Kenison approved a staffing budget of up to $111,456 a year, or $9,288 a month, to expand part-time paramedic and AEMT coverage. The minutes record no vote, and the budget is to be included in the 2026 budget and ratified at the next meeting. A closed session for personnel issues was ended and the commission returned to open session because the matter did not qualify for a closed session ^[1].