Emery County Commission Considers Changes to PILT and CRA Disbursements

Commission also approves donations for Emery High students to attend Girls State program

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:26am

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The Emery County Board of Commissioners met on March 17 and discussed potential changes to how the county disburses its payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT) and Community Reinvestment Agency (CRA) funds, with the goal of better incentivizing emergency services. The commissioners also approved a $250 donation for seven Emery High School students to attend the American Legion Auxiliary's annual Girls State program.

Why it matters

PILT and CRA funds are important sources of revenue for rural counties like Emery, but relying too heavily on them for ongoing programs can be risky if the funding source fluctuates. The commissioners are looking to find ways to use these funds more strategically, such as to improve emergency services coverage across the county. Meanwhile, the Girls State program provides high school students a unique opportunity to learn about government and civic engagement.

The details

During the meeting, the commissioners heard from Emery County Library System representative Desirée Malley, who sought approval for a grant to renovate the Ferron Branch library. They also approved a $250 donation for seven Emery High School students to attend Girls State. Later, the commissioners held a public hearing and approved the issuance of a $1.6 million general obligation bond for the Castle Valley Special Service District. The bulk of the discussion centered on potential changes to how the county distributes its PILT and CRA funds, with the goal of better incentivizing emergency services coverage, such as by raising on-call pay for ambulance crews.

  • The Emery County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, March 17.
  • The next meeting of the Emery County Commission takes place on Tuesday, April 7, starting at 3 p.m.

The players

Desirée Malley

Representative of the Emery County Library System who sought approval for a grant to renovate the Ferron Branch library.

Aaliyah King, Annika Magnusen, Hailee Barnett, Zoee Perea, Elizabeth Roberts, Elli Stoker and Elly Stilson

Seven Emery High School students who presented to the commissioners seeking a donation to attend the American Legion Auxiliary's annual Girls State program.

Jacob Sharp

Manager of the Castle Valley Special Service District, who presented information about a $1.6 million general obligation bond.

Eric Johnson

Attorney who presented information about the $1.6 million general obligation bond alongside Jacob Sharp.

Keven Jensen, Dennis Worwood, Jordan Leonard

Emery County Commissioners who discussed potential changes to how the county disburses its PILT and CRA funds.

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What they’re saying

“We're hoping to make some renovations to the entrance and the entryway.”

— Desirée Malley, Emery County Library System representative

“So, to go along with this $1.6 million loan, there's a $1.58 million grant we're using throughout the county. Each of the cities and towns we work in each year, we just kind of slowly and incrementally improve facilities there that we operate, maintain, and whatever else.”

— Jacob Sharp, Castle Valley Special Service District Manager

“So what's kind of going on, EMS, and this was just a thought, is we need to try to incentivize our ambulances and to have them in service more and closer to the people.”

— Keven Jensen, Emery County Commissioner

“We have to be careful. It's been mentioned before that it gets dicey when you depend on something like mineral lease moneys for ongoing programs because they can go away.”

— Dennis Worwood, Emery County Commissioner

“I think it's a good idea. I know we may need to look into the Jaws of Life for our fire district. I know that ebbs and flows with mineral lease moneys and those other recreation districts, so. I'm definitely interested in looking at that.”

— Jordan Leonard, Emery County Commissioner

What’s next

The commissioners plan to further discuss potential changes to PILT and CRA disbursements at their next meeting on April 7.

The takeaway

Emery County is exploring ways to use its PILT and CRA funds more strategically, such as to improve emergency services coverage, while also continuing to support valuable community programs like the Girls State leadership initiative for high school students.