The Sanpete County Commission covered a full slate on March 17: a clean financial audit from Central Utah Counseling Center, a new pricing deal for the Memorial Day rodeo at the Manti arena, four subdivision approvals across the county, a patrol vehicle repair after a deputy got hit between Moroni and Fountain Green, and a presentation on a senior volunteer program that needs more hands in Sanpete County. The commission met at 2:00 PM in the Sanpete County Courthouse, Room 101, 160 North Main, Manti.
What Happened
Who Was There
Commission Chair Scott Bartholomew presided. Commissioners Bennett and Jim Cheney were both present. County Auditor Stacey Lyon, County Attorney Kevin Daniels, and County Clerk Linda Christiansen were also in attendance. The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Claims and Finances
The commission approved checks numbered 363,909 through 363,988 and electronic fund transfers numbered 233 through 262. Finances as of March 7, 2026, were approved with no concerns raised. Both items passed unanimously.
County Property Sale: Parcel 10123
The commission opened a single sealed bid for county-owned parcel 10123. Jay A Farms LLC (Jay Yardley) submitted a bid of $450. The minimum bid was $402.42, set to cover the county’s expenses on the property. Under the county’s previously implemented tax sale disposal policy, Yardley’s $50 application fee was credited toward the purchase price (bringing his net payment to $400). Staff noted that the newly revised policy no longer includes that credit, but since Yardley applied before the revision, the original terms applied.
Approved unanimously.
Right-of-Way: S.G. Mayne Excavation, Pea Road, Moroni
The commission approved a right-of-way application for S.G. Mayne Excavation to install a three-inch power conduit across the road at the end of Pea Road in Moroni. County Road Supervisor Tom Seely confirmed the cut would be on the dirt portion of the road (no oil surface affected) and that the applicant had submitted a complete encroachment package with a bond. Seely reported no concerns.
Approved unanimously.
Crack Seal on Two County Roads: $15,000 to Carlson and Johnson
Tom Seely requested approval to crack seal two road sections: one running from Brick Hill up to the ticket booth at Palisade State Park, and another on the highway just north of Wales. Both roads were chip-sealed within the last couple of years but are developing cracks that Seely wants to address before they worsen. The roads are scheduled for rechipping in the future, and the crack seal is intended to prolong their current surface.
Seely received two bids, both priced per pallet. Carlson and Johnson came in at $3,000 per pallet. The other bid was $3,500. The project requires approximately five pallets, putting the total at $15,000.
Approved unanimously.
R6 Aging Services: Senior Companion Program
Maradee Peterson, the new director of aging services at R6 Regional Council (formerly Six County Association of Governments), introduced herself to the commission and presented the Senior Companion Program. The program pairs volunteers aged 55 and older with elderly residents to help them stay in their homes longer. Companions visit, watch movies, take seniors to doctor’s appointments and the store. They cannot run errands independently for the senior (they’re companions, not aides), but the in-person support helps delay the need for more intensive care.
Income-qualifying volunteers receive a $4 stipend and mileage reimbursement. Peterson said she receives frequent calls requesting companions in Sanpete County but needs more volunteers to meet the demand.
The commission suggested several distribution channels for the program’s information: the county website (through Kevin Christensen), senior centers (where Peterson confirmed the program is already promoted), local church leadership, and the mayors’ newsletter that Kate Penny, R6’s Sanpete County representative, distributes regularly. Commissioner Bartholomew also noted that people involved in state-level church service assignments might be well-suited for this kind of volunteer work and suggested Peterson reach out through those networks.
No action required. Informational item.
Central Utah Counseling Center: FY2025 Independent Financial Audit
Nathan Strait, Director of Central Utah Counseling Center, and Richard Anderson, the center’s Chief Financial Officer, presented the results of the fiscal year 2025 independent financial audit conducted by Kimball and Roberts. The audit covered the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
The headline: a clean audit. Kimball and Roberts issued an unqualified opinion, stating that the financial statements present fairly the center’s financial position. On the state compliance side, auditors reviewed four required areas (budgetary compliance, public treasurer’s bond, fraud risk assessment, and Utah Retirement Systems) and found the center in full compliance. No instances of noncompliance were identified in any category.
Anderson walked the commission through the combining statement, which merges the center’s mental health and substance use disorder programs. The six-county contribution (the 20% match required on a portion of state dollars) totaled $403,183, divided by population across Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne counties. Sanpete County’s share is among the largest due to population. State funding came in at approximately $3.8 million, which included some ARPA and other one-time funds not subject to the county match requirement. Prepaid Medicaid revenue reached $9.5 million, bringing total program revenue to approximately $14 million.
The center reported $1,079,650 in revenue over expenses for FY2025, a turnaround from a net loss of several hundred thousand dollars the prior year. Anderson noted that the surplus is both positive (building reserves, funding capital projects, buffering against expensive inpatient costs) and a reflection of the nature of service-delivery budgeting. Of the $14 million in revenue, roughly $10 million goes to salaries, wages, and benefits. Approximately 85% of the center’s total revenue comes from federal sources.
Receiving Center Update: Strait reported that a mental health receiving center is under construction in Richfield on the site of the center’s former outpatient building (which has been demolished). The receiving center functions like an emergency room specifically for mental health crises. Foundation work was expected to begin as early as the week of the meeting. Construction is projected to take approximately one year. The facility is 100% funded by the state Crisis Commission.
The catch: the legislature has not yet appropriated operating funds for the center. The Central Utah facility and Northeastern Utah’s recently completed receiving center are both waiting on that appropriation. Strait and Anderson said they are hopeful funding will take effect July 1, 2027, which would align with the construction timeline. Anderson noted that CUCC’s facility would be among the last built in the state (other than Tooele and Summit counties, which are close enough to Salt Lake City’s resources to be lower priority). The nearest existing options for the six-county area are St. George and Provo.
MCOT: Anderson highlighted the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team’s role in the receiving center model. MCOT provides 24/7 crisis response across the six-county service area, typically deploying someone in Juab/Millard, someone in Sanpete, and someone in Sevier. When the receiving center opens, MCOT would serve as the first point of evaluation, determining whether someone in crisis needs receiving center services, hospital-level inpatient care, or can be supported in the community. Anderson cited recent deployments to Wayne County and a Piute County incident as examples of MCOT’s ability to pivot quickly. Sheriff Buchanan confirmed that MCOT has been a valuable tool for law enforcement.
Commissioner Bartholomew pointed out the immediate connection between the R6 aging services presentation that had just concluded and CUCC’s work, suggesting both organizations could benefit from cross-promotion in their waiting rooms and service locations. Anderson and Strait agreed and said they would follow up with R6 and Kate Penny.
No action required. Informational item.
Sheriff’s Department: Vehicle Repair, Shipping, Tables, and a New Hire
Patrol Vehicle Repair: The commission approved $22,223.03 to Layton Autobody for repairs to a 2024 Ford F-150 patrol vehicle. Deputy Spencer was struck by another vehicle between Moroni and Fountain Green, ripping the front of the truck off. Sheriff Buchanan stated the other vehicle was at fault in his assessment, though insurance companies will make the final determination. The lighting system on the vehicle also required separate repair work at Premier, as the wiring harness from the front quarter panel had to be re-run. Buchanan noted the department had been fortunate with vehicle incidents for the past five years but has had a rough stretch recently.
Vehicle Wrap Shipping Adjustment: The commission adjusted a previously approved payment for a vehicle wrap, adding $150 for increased shipping costs. The new total is $2,574.12.
Jail Programming Tables: The commission approved $3,345.80 to Charm-Tex for tables to be used in the jail’s programming area (one of the classrooms). The tables will also serve double duty during religious services. The purchase comes from beer tax funds.
New Hire: The commission approved the hiring of D. Nichole Atoa as a control room operator, starting at Grade 3, Year 1, at $19.83 per hour, effective March 16, 2026. Atoa replaces Jim Nielsen, who retired. The position was filled through a standard interview process.
All four items approved unanimously.
Take the Oath Memorial: Arena Rental Deal for Memorial Day Rodeo
Jon Larson, president of Take the Oath Memorial, appeared before the commission to discuss the organization’s annual Memorial Day PRCA Xtreme Bulls event at the Sanpete County Fairgrounds arena in Manti. Take the Oath is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that donates proceeds to community causes including the Mount Pleasant veterans memorial, the Manti memorial, search and rescue, the Sheriff’s Department, local fire departments, the Ephraim Memorial Fund, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. The organization also provides FFA scholarships to seniors at North Sanpete, Manti, and Gunnison Valley high schools.
Larson raised two issues. First, a reduction in the arena rental fee. The organization currently pays approximately $4,000 by the time all costs are factored in. Revenue depends entirely on ticket sales, which in Sanpete County on Memorial Day are weather-dependent. Sales typically come in within ten days of the event. If it snows or stays cold, ticket sales drop and the organization absorbs the loss. Larson asked the commission to consider cutting the fee in half, to approximately $2,000.
Commissioner Bennett proposed an alternative: $1 per ticket sold, with no base fee, capped at the regular rental amount (approximately $4,000). This structure protects Take the Oath in a bad-weather year while ensuring the county receives fair value if sales are strong. The commission discussed whether to add a base fee and ultimately decided against it, given the organization’s 501(c)(3) status and its documented donations back to the community. Take the Oath agreed to report its community donations to the commission before each year’s event.
This year’s ticket prices are $15 for general admission (up from $12) and $18 for reserved seating (up from $15). Typical sales run between 3,200 and 3,500 paid tickets. The organization also comps approximately 100 to 150 tickets for veterans, active military, and first responders.
Larson’s second issue was operational: ensuring the organization has reliable access to the arena tractor and water truck for surface preparation, and a backup plan if the county employee who currently handles arena prep (Mike) is unavailable. The commission confirmed that equipment access would be covered. Larson also reserved the county’s event center building for the organization’s hospitality dinner at $163 for a half day. Cleaning of the restrooms during the event is the renter’s responsibility; maintenance issues will be handled by the county.
Approved unanimously. The deal includes the per-ticket pricing, event center reservation, equipment access, and the reporting requirement.
Four Subdivision Approvals
BC Poulson Properties (1-Lot Small Subdivision, East of Moroni): Brad Poulson’s application for a single 5.03-acre lot in the Agriculture Zone, parcel S-27449X17. The lot accesses a county B road. Planning Commission approved. Signed unanimously.
Southfield Heights (6-Lot Major Subdivision, South of Mayfield): Gordon Anderson’s application in the RA-1 Zone, parcel S-11117. Six lots ranging from 0.56 to 4.83 acres. Wells drilled, power available. Planning Commission approved. Commissioner Bartholomew noted development activity is picking up in the south end of the county. Signed unanimously.
Golden Acres Subdivision Amendment (Southeast of Fairview): Cameron White’s petition to add two lots to the existing Golden Acres Subdivision in the Agriculture Zone. The subdivision now includes four lots (5.50, 5.50, 5.50, and 5.72 acres). Parcels S-64585, S-64586, S-22025X, and S-22025X1. A shared well agreement is in place, producing 30 gallons per minute. Each lot uses 0.45 acre-feet of domestic water and 0.55 acre-feet of irrigation water, with the irrigation shares held in a nature way that keeps them with the lots. The Planning Commission asked County Attorney Kevin Daniels to review whether the county ordinance allows irrigation water to satisfy the one-acre-foot domestic water requirement. Daniels confirmed it does. All roads through the subdivision are paved. A property owner (who spoke to the commission about the long road to getting the subdivision completed) noted the well water quality is excellent and praised the current planning staff for their responsiveness. Signed unanimously.
Lamb Subdivision (2-Lot Major Subdivision, North of Wales): Don “Fuzzy” Perry’s application for two lots of approximately 6.1 acres each in the Agriculture Zone. Parcels S-25579X2 and S-25579X3. Located on the west side road off the main highway. Well and power confirmed. Planning Commission approved. The commission had a brief moment of fun with the applicant’s well-known nickname. Signed unanimously.
Ratification: Big Rig Construction Invoice
The commission ratified an invoice from Big Rig Construction for $14,770.48 related to the new commission chambers. This was a formality, ratifying a payment approved at the prior meeting.
Approved unanimously.
Minutes
The minutes from the previous commission meeting were approved unanimously.
Closed Session
A brief discussion about whether to enter a closed session took place at the end of the meeting. County Attorney Kevin Daniels determined the proposed topic (property taxes) did not meet the statutory requirements for a closed session under Utah’s Open and Public Meetings Act. No closed session was held.
Why It Matters
The CUCC audit presentation is the kind of agenda item that can feel like a formality, but the numbers tell a real story about how mental health services are funded in rural Utah. The $403,183 county contribution from six counties leverages into a $14 million program through state matching and Medicaid. That’s the mechanism that keeps counselors, crisis workers, and substance abuse treatment accessible in communities that are hours from the nearest metro area. The $1 million surplus after last year’s loss is good news for the center’s stability, but Anderson’s point about inpatient cost volatility is worth remembering. One expensive year can wipe out that cushion.
The receiving center in Richfield is the most significant infrastructure development in the presentation. When it opens (projected 2027, contingent on legislative funding), it will provide the first dedicated mental health emergency facility between Provo and St. George for the six-county area. The gap between construction completion and operating funding is the risk. Northeastern Utah already has a completed facility sitting idle while it waits for the same appropriation.
The Take the Oath deal is a practical example of how a county commission balances competing interests. The arena is a public asset that other renters pay full price to use. But Take the Oath returns its revenue to the community through verified donations, and its event draws thousands to Manti on Memorial Day. The per-ticket structure with no base fee and a reporting requirement lands in a reasonable place: the county shares in the upside when ticket sales are strong, Take the Oath is protected in a bad year, and both sides have documentation of where the money goes.
Four subdivision approvals in a single meeting signals continued residential development pressure across the county. The properties span Moroni, Mayfield, Fairview, and Wales. The Golden Acres water discussion is worth flagging: the Planning Commission and County Attorney worked through a real question about whether irrigation water shares can satisfy domestic water requirements under the current ordinance. The answer was yes, and the precedent matters for future rural subdivisions drawing from shared wells.
What Comes Next
The CUCC receiving center in Richfield is projected for a roughly one-year construction timeline, with foundation work beginning in March 2026. Operating funding hinges on the Utah Legislature, with CUCC hoping for an appropriation effective July 1, 2027.
Tom Seely’s crack seal work on the Palisade and Wales road sections will proceed through Carlson and Johnson. No specific timeline was given at the meeting.
The Senior Companion Program through R6 Regional Council is actively seeking volunteers in Sanpete County. Residents aged 55 and older interested in volunteering can contact R6 Aging Services at (435) 893-0712 or visit a local senior center for information.
Take the Oath Memorial’s PRCA Xtreme Bulls event is scheduled for Memorial Day (May 25, 2026) at the Sanpete County Fairgrounds in Manti. Ticket information is available at taketheoathmemorial.com.
The next regular Sanpete County Commission meeting is Tuesday, April 7, at the Sanpete County Courthouse, Room 101, 160 North Main, Manti. The meeting is open to the public. Check Utah Public Meeting Notice (pmn.utah.gov) for the agenda when it posts.
Sourcing: This recap is based on an AI-assisted transcript of the March 17, 2026 Sanpete County Commission meeting audio, verified against the official meeting agenda posted by Sanpete County Clerk Linda Christiansen on March 16, 2026; January 6, 2026 Sanpete County Commission meeting minutes; publicly available information on Central Utah Counseling Center (cucc.us), R6 Regional Council/Six County Association of Governments (sixcounty.com), Take the Oath Memorial (taketheoathmemorial.com), and Sanpete County government offices (sanpetecountyutah.gov). The Central Utah Counseling Center FY2025 audit was conducted by Kimball and Roberts. Official minutes for the March 17 meeting were not yet available at time of publication. Vote counts, dollar amounts, and specific details are subject to official minutes confirmation. Some names and figures in the AI transcript may contain transcription errors. For corrections, email info@sanpeteserves.com.
