Emery County Commission weighs solar ordinance change, $300,000 in funding allocations
The Emery County Commission on July 21, 2026, was scheduled to consider a resolution amending the county's solar ordinance to block future large-scale utility solar plants that have not yet been permitted, along with proposed funding allocations totaling $300,000 for emergency medical services and a town well rehabilitation project.
Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings covered in this roundup, outcomes — including whether items were approved, denied, or tabled — are not yet confirmed. The following reflects what agendas show was scheduled for discussion and possible action.
Emery County Commission
The commission's July 21 agenda listed a proposed resolution to stop future large-scale utility solar plants not yet permitted by amending the solar ordinance.
Also on the agenda:
- A proposed allocation of the first $250,000 of State PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) monies to the Emery County Emergency Medical Special Service District, structured over five years.
- A proposed $50,000 allocation to CVSSD to rehabilitate the Emery Town well.
- A proposed OnX Partnership Agreement between Emery County and onXmaps, Inc.
- Appointments of Seth Manning, Whitney Phelps, and Joe Begay to the Planning & Zoning Commission Board.
Emery County Travel Bureau
The Travel Bureau met July 13, 2026, with action items including a Cowboy Memorial Rodeo Event, an OnX Partnership Agreement, and an extension and final payment for Epicenter's Trails Grant. The board was also scheduled to discuss tourism conference attendance and present a Volunteer of the Month award.
Staff reports were slated covering events, marketing, museums, state parks, trails, grants, and finances.
Huntington 69V Municipal Airport Advisory Board
The Airport Advisory Board met July 14, 2026. The agenda included review of a rough draft of the Airport Layout Plan, with the board expected to make additions or corrections before the draft goes to the attorney.
The board was also set to discuss filling a vacancy left by Todd Cook's resignation, a hangar ground lease contract, and a groundskeeper contract — with plans to publish a request for proposals for the groundskeeper position. A status update on distance remaining markers was also listed, along with approval of April 2026 minutes.
Emery County Nursing Home Board
The Nursing Home Board met July 22, 2026, at San Rafael Health and Rehabilitation in Ferron, Utah. The agenda included discussion and review of the capital reserve fund and introduction of new board members.
Reports were scheduled from Traditions' CFO and CEO on finances, from the administrator on operations, and from the administrator on marketing.
What this means for residents
The commission's proposed solar ordinance amendment, if adopted, would affect where and whether large-scale utility solar facilities can be developed in Emery County going forward. The proposed $250,000 in PILT funding for emergency medical services and $50,000 for the Emery Town well rehabilitation directly relate to public safety and water infrastructure. The airport board's layout plan review and contract discussions affect operations at the Huntington Municipal Airport. Travel Bureau decisions on the rodeo event and trails grant touch local tourism and recreation programming.
Coming up
No upcoming public meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents are encouraged to check Emery County's official meeting postings for any newly scheduled sessions or special meetings.