Cache County Council Regular Meeting –04-14-2026

- The council approved the agenda and March 24 minutes, then received an executive update on county structure, airport governance reorganization, and ongoing fire district discussions with cities and rural fire departments. The executive also reported on the Clarkston Road litigation, including a temporary restraining order request to prevent roadway obstructions while the case is pending. - Cache County’s America 250 committee gave an update on planned semiquincentennial events, including a June 13 gala/dance at the Event Center, a July 1 free concert at the Logan Tabernacle, a July 5 community potluck, patriotic banners in downtown Logan, and social media/history content. The committee said it has sufficient funds for current plans and is coordinating with cities and Logan on additional activities. - Emergency Manager Will Lusk invited the council to upcoming preparedness trainings, including a countywide communications exercise and earthquake scenario at the Emergency Operations Center on Thursday, plus NIMS training for senior and elected officials on April 25. He emphasized the importance of reviewing the emergency operations guide and understanding council roles during disasters. - The council held a public hearing for Millville/Nibley/Cornish cemetery maintenance district board vacancies. Byron Kim Ashcroft appeared and expressed interest in serving, while other applicants did not attend; the council later appointed Ashcroft to the board. - The Dutson 2 rezone near Newton was approved after public hearing and council discussion. The applicant said the split-zone request would allow two homes on one portion of the land while keeping the other portion in farming use, and the council agreed with planning staff that the request met zone standards. - The council denied the 40-acre industrial rezone near Amalga, following a 6-0 planning commission recommendation for denial. Council members said the site did not fit the surrounding agricultural area, lacked nearby industrial zoning, and would be better handled through annexation if the city were ready. - The council approved a housekeeping ordinance updating county code references to match the state’s recodified land-use statutes, and also approved a 10-cent increase to the 911 consolidated fee schedule tied to the Logan dispatch interlocal agreement. A separate fire and EMS fee-schedule ordinance was also approved to better match actual service costs, including higher reinspection fees to reduce repeated inspection visits. - During the budget-opening hearing, multiple residents strongly urged the council to preserve or expand funding for the Cache County Library. Speakers argued the library is essential for child literacy, public safety, rural access, and community benefit, and criticized any move to shift the burden to cities or reduce county support. - The council resolved the tax increment distribution error from the prior RDA action, ultimately approving release of the funds to the appropriate entities but withholding the Cache County School District’s $77,000 local levy amount after the district indicated it would forego it. The council discussed legal and accounting concerns at length before the motion passed. - In board-of-equalization action, the council approved property tax exemptions for IHC, Sunshine Terrace Foundation, and Health West, and also approved Utah Festival Opera’s exemption at 98.22%. Staff said the visits confirmed the organizations’ charitable or medical use outweighed their tax liability. - The council approved the 2026 budget opening/amendment resolution, then appointed Byron Kim Ashcroft to the cemetery board. It also delayed action on removing certain Class B road segments, favoring more discussion and a companion resolution to preserve access for a River Heights development. - Toward the end of the meeting, the council discussed a lapel pin design for members, future parade participation, and the need for matching shirts or other visible identification at public events. They also noted a county council/executive photo session and upcoming meetings with the executive office, UAC, and other county boards.