The Box Elder County Commission voted unanimously to support the appointment of Josh Barson as director of behavioral health under a newly formalized interlocal agreement restructuring oversight of mental health and substance abuse services throughout Bear River Health Department’s service area. Jordan Mathis, director of BRHD, appeared before the commission to recommend Barson for the role. “Josh has nine years’ experience as a licensed clinical social worker. He’s worked for the health department for three years and nine months,” Mathis said, noting that Barson has already served in a clinical leadership role overseeing treatment services. The appointment is part of...

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The Perry City Council voted unanimously Thursday to reappoint Stephen Moss to the city’s planning commission. Moss, who previously served a four-year term and at one point chaired the commission, was nominated by the mayor for another term. “He’s done a great job for us,” said Perry City Administrator Bob Barnhill. Councilmember Nathan Wright made the motion to approve the reappointment, which passed without dissent. According to the city’s website, Moss remains one of seven regular members on the commission, which currently includes Chairman Ryan Vaughn, Vice Chair Paul White, and members: Marcus Wager, Jan Kerr, Blake Broadhead and Beth...

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Willard City has reaffirmed its recurring summer ban on open flames and fireworks in the eastern portion of the city, citing ongoing fire risk due to dry conditions. Ordinance 2023-05, which was first passed in July 2023, imposes seasonal restrictions from June 1 to Oct. 1 of each year for areas east of U.S. Highway 89. The ordinance prohibits all open fires except in designated areas, as well as the use of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or any pyrotechnic devices. The restricted zone includes all of Willard east of Highway 89 to the eastern city limits. This area covers the wildland...

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A confusing “No Trespassing” sign posted at the Willard Canyon Trail entrance will be replaced with new signage clarifying public access, following concerns raised at the June 12 Willard City Council meeting. Resident Mark Murphy told the council that despite an access agreement allowing public use of the trail, the current sign deters visitors. “Right now, anybody that walks up to it says, ‘I can’t go on this trail,’ unless they know better,” Murphy said. He noted the sign’s placement near a trail camera compounded the impression that entry was prohibited. Councilmembers and staff discussed potential language for a new...

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The Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG), which administers housing, transit, and social service programs across Box Elder, Cache, and Rich counties, briefed the Box Elder County Commission on June 11 about rising needs and recent local impacts. Alyssa Jensen, BRAG’s services supervisor for Box Elder County, introduced her team and spoke of the agency’s growing role. “I’ve worked for BRAG for 17 years now, give or take just a little bit,” she said. “I was born and raised here in Box Elder County, and I’m also raising my family here in Box Elder County now.” Jensen detailed an increasing...

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With the 2024-2025 fiscal year coming to a close at the end of June, the Honeyville City Council reviewed adjustments to the current and coming years budget. Primarily, the city needed to account for the 8,000 in capital projects that were planned for, but not completed, during the year. The money will roll over into the 2025-2026 fiscal year beginning on July 1. Additional changes to the 2024-2025 budget include the addition of 0,000 in revenue from water and tax income. Honeyville City treasurer, Blair Perry, explained that in putting together the yearly budgets he prefers to go with conservative...

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The Willard City Council on June 12 continued its public consideration of whether to support creating a Utah Inland Port Authority project area within city limits—an initiative that would connect Willard to the state’s growing inland port logistics network and offer access to infrastructure funding and economic development tools. The proposed project area lies between Inter-state 15 and the Union Pacific rail line, encompassing several parcels identified in city planning documents. As with other inland port projects across Box Elder County, the aim is to attract businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and distribution by providing infrastructure funding through property tax differential—...

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Weston Leathers Rowe was recognized by the Box Elder County Commission and the sheriff’s office on June 11 for an act of life-saving bravery during a duck hunting trip last winter, when he pulled an injured friend from frigid water and returned him safely to shore. The incident took place on Dec. 20, 2024, in a remote area west of Willard Bay. Rowe and his friend, Chris Pepple, were hunting when Pepple fell into the water and was struck in the back by the boat’s propeller. The injury left Pepple in danger not only from the impact, but from the...

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The Perry City Council voted unanimously Thursday to adopt the certified property tax rate for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, finalizing the figure at 0.001801 and avoiding a Truth in Taxation hearing later this summer. Under Utah law, the certified tax rate is calculated annually by the county to ensure a city collects the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year, not including new growth. If a city adopts the rate, it does not need to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing. Changing the rate requires public notice, mailed notifications to residents and a hearing before the council....

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The Willard City Council approved its fiscal year 2026 budget on June 12, setting spending priorities while preparing for the potential of an up to 30% increase to the city’s portion of local property taxes. The proposed 3,700 tax increase is not yet final. The council must still complete the state-mandated Truth-in-Taxation process, which includes public notices and a hearing before the new rate can be adopted. Mayor Travis Mote said the increase would help fund police operations. The proposed tax increase is separate from a proposed emergency services fee. That fee would help cover the estimated 6,000 startup cost...

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