Commissioner Jared Haddock recently attended a statewide conference on data centers in Utah with county commissioners from across the state. One of the conference’s key messages was that not all data centers are the same and that each proposal should be evaluated on its own merits. Speakers emphasized the importance of relying on facts and cautioned against misinformation as communities throughout Utah and across the nation consider emerging technologies and the growing demand for advanced computing infrastructure.

As companies search for locations across the western United States, Carbon County has become one of several communities being evaluated for data center development because of its available land, transportation access, energy resources, and opportunities for future infrastructure. One such proposal is currently being evaluated in Carbon County. Because projects like this raise many of the same questions in every community, the conference focused on topics such as water use, power supply, environmental oversight, and the local approval process.

Water Usage:
Water usage was one of the primary topics discussed. Modern closed-loop cooling systems use significantly less water than is commonly assumed. The proposed facility in Carbon County is expected to use less than 50 acre-feet of water annually, while a newer data center planned for Emery County is designed to operate without water for cooling.

Power Supply:
The proposed Carbon County data center, located between Wellington and East Carbon, is expected to generate its own electricity using natural gas rather than relying on the local electrical grid to meet its operational needs.

State Oversight:
Data centers are subject to extensive state oversight. Utah’s State Engineer oversees water rights and verifies how water is used and disposed of. The Utah Division of Air Quality oversees air quality permits and ensures facilities comply with state air quality regulations, including heat exhaust where required.

County Authority:
Another topic discussed at the conference was the role of local government in the approval process. Like all levels of government, the County Commission and Planning Commission are required to apply the law. If an applicant meets all applicable local, state, and federal requirements, the County does not have the authority to deny the project based solely on public opposition or policy preference.

Carbon County officials support the proposed data center because of its potential to bring significant new property value onto the tax rolls. Over the past several years, the county has experienced substantial losses in taxable value following the closure of coal mines, declining mineral lease revenues, and the retirement of the Carbon Power Plant. As those industries disappeared, a greater share of the local property tax burden shifted to homeowners and businesses. Adding new commercial investment would help broaden the county’s tax base and reduce that burden.

While expanding the tax base is one part of the County’s long-term financial strategy, county leadership has also worked to strengthen the county’s financial position by aggressively paying down debt while limiting new long-term borrowing except for projects funded through outside sources. Attracting new industry remains a priority to help restore the county’s economic base and reduce the tax burden on existing taxpayers.

If the proposed data center and two additional prospective industrial projects are completed as anticipated, county officials estimate property tax bills could be reduced by as much as 50 percent. Actual tax impacts will depend on the final value of the projects and future tax rates.

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs):

Many residents have asked why the County Commission signs Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with prospective companies. These agreements are required by the companies involved, not by the County Commission, and are intended to protect confidential business information during the evaluation process. Without these agreements, some companies would choose not to explore projects in Carbon County.

A recent example illustrates why these agreements are important. While one company was evaluating Carbon County under a long-standing NDA, a competing company also began exploring opportunities in the area. Had the County disclosed the first company’s interest, it could have compromised that company’s competitive position and undermined the trust placed in the County. By honoring the NDA, the County allowed both companies to evaluate Carbon County independently while protecting each company’s confidential business information.

County officials recognize the community’s interest in these projects and remain committed to sharing information as soon as they are legally and ethically able to do so. Until then, commissioners will continue answering questions and providing factual information that can be shared publicly as these projects move through the evaluation process.

Carbon County’s future depends on more than simply maintaining what we have today. It depends on whether we are willing to prepare for what comes next.

Over the last decade, Carbon County has experienced major losses in industrial and centrally assessed property values tied to the decline of traditional industries. Coal mine closures, power plant shutdowns, and continued devaluation of remaining industries have significantly changed the county’s financial landscape.

At one time, centrally assessed industries contributed more than 70% of Carbon County’s total tax base. Today, that number has dropped to roughly 22%. As those industrial values decline, a larger share of the tax burden shifts onto local homeowners and businesses.

In February, Carbon County Commissioners met with the Utah State Tax Commission and industry representatives to discuss the continuing impact these changes are having on local residents and businesses. County officials also warned that additional valuation appeals and devaluations currently underway could shift an estimated additional $500,000 in property tax burden onto local residents in the coming year alone.

When large industries close or their taxable values drop, the overall tax burden does not disappear with them. Schools, municipalities, special service districts, public safety services, roads, infrastructure, and other community services still require funding. As industrial values decline, a larger share of that responsibility shifts onto local homeowners and businesses across multiple taxing entities.

This is why replacing lost industry and encouraging long-term investment matters.

Strong industry creates jobs, supports local businesses, strengthens infrastructure, and helps spread the tax burden across a broader base instead of placing more and more pressure on local residents. Without replacement industry and long-term investment, the financial pressure on homeowners and businesses continues to grow while opportunities for future generations become more limited.

That affects whether young people and families are able to build careers and remain in Carbon County or are forced to leave to find opportunity elsewhere.

Residents have every right to ask questions and care deeply about how growth and development may affect the county. Those conversations are important. At the same time, county leaders also have a responsibility to look at the long-term financial reality facing the community and evaluate opportunities that may help strengthen the local economy for future generations.

Many large private investment projects begin with preliminary discussions while companies determine whether a location is even feasible for development. During these early stages, conversations often remain confidential while land, infrastructure, utility capacity, environmental considerations, costs, and other factors are evaluated. In many cases, projects discussed during these early phases never move forward at all.

If a project advances beyond those early stages, it must still go through whatever public processes, reviews, hearings, permitting, or legal requirements apply under county ordinances and state law.

Not every development project involves direct action by the County Commission. Depending on the type of project, proposals may move through existing planning, zoning, and permitting processes established under county ordinances and state law. County government’s role is to ensure those processes are followed responsibly while considering long-term impacts to infrastructure, services, property rights, and the future of the community.

Economic development discussions are not about any single project or property owner. They are about asking a much larger question: what will Carbon County look like 10, 20, or 30 years from now if the county fails to replace the industries, jobs, and tax base it has already lost?

That question affects everyone.

It affects property taxes. It affects emergency response times. It affects roads, public infrastructure, recreation opportunities, local businesses, and the county’s ability to maintain essential services. It affects whether Carbon County remains financially stable and competitive in the future.

Carbon County leadership remains committed to protecting property rights, following established legal processes, advocating for residents at the state level, and pursuing opportunities that strengthen the local economy while preserving the quality of life that makes Carbon County unique.

These conversations are not always simple, and not every project will move forward. But continuing to prepare for the county’s long-term future is essential if Carbon County is going to remain strong, sustainable, and prepared for future generations.

From flood prevention efforts to road maintenance and long-term planning, the Carbon County Road Department has been actively working across the county to protect infrastructure and make the most of available resources. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it directly impacts road safety, future costs, and how well the county is positioned for growth. Here’s a closer look at what’s been underway in the first quarter of 2026.

One of the department’s key efforts this quarter has been addressing flood concerns in the Carbonville area following last year’s storms. In coordination with partner agencies, crews implemented short-term solutions designed to help reduce the impact of future stormwater events while larger, long-term mitigation plans continue to move forward. This work included restoring and improving several ponds in the Warehouse Wash drainage area to better manage water flow during heavy weather.

Routine maintenance also remained a priority. Crews completed asphalt crack sealing at public facilities such as the Senior Center and Event Center. This type of preventative maintenance helps protect road surfaces and facilities by reducing further damage, ultimately extending their lifespan and reducing the need for more costly repairs down the road.

The department also partnered with neighboring communities to strengthen local capabilities. Staff spent time working alongside personnel from Helper and Wellington, providing hands-on training in crack sealing techniques. This effort supports those communities in maintaining their own infrastructure while promoting consistency and safety across the region.

In Wellington, the Road Department assisted with the demolition of the former City Hall building and is helping prepare the site for future construction. Projects like this highlight how intergovernmental cooperation can help communities move projects forward efficiently by sharing resources and expertise.

Cost efficiency continues to be a focus as well. During the quarter, crews processed and repurposed large amounts of asphalt and concrete into usable road base material. These recycled materials will be used in future road projects, helping reduce material costs and make the most of available resources.

Additional maintenance work took place at the Carbon County Fairgrounds, where crews cleaned irrigation ponds, repaired banks, and removed vegetation to keep those systems operating as intended.

The department also continued its road preservation efforts throughout the county. Contracted work resumed in Carbonville, where preservation treatments are being applied to help protect existing roadways and delay more extensive repairs.

Behind the scenes, a significant amount of work is focused on planning and preparation. The department has been actively pursuing funding opportunities for future projects, with recent applications supporting improvements such as roadway widening, drainage upgrades, and intersection enhancements. Efforts are also underway to improve tracking and forecasting tools, which will help guide future maintenance decisions and prioritize projects based on need.

Looking ahead, the Road Department is preparing for a busy construction season. Planned work includes continued road preservation, infrastructure improvements, and the advancement of several projects expected to move into the bidding phase in the coming months.

While not all of this work is highly visible day to day, it reflects an ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, reliable roadways and making thoughtful investments in the county’s infrastructure.

Carbon County Commissioners Larry Jensen and Jared Haddock presented to the Utah State Tax Commission and members of the oil and gas industry in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, advocating for local residents and businesses.

Commissioner Larry Jensen led the presentation, highlighting the significant devaluation of centrally assessed properties in the region over the past decade. Using a graph, he demonstrated that centrally assessed properties once contributed approximately 70.05% of the total county tax base, a figure that has declined to roughly 22% as of last year following the loss of coal mines, power plants, and the continued devaluation of remaining industries. As a direct result of this decline, the share of the county tax burden paid by local homeowners and businesses increased correspondingly, despite no increase in services or spending at the county level.

Commissioner Jensen acknowledged that little can be done regarding the closure of the power plants and coal mines. However, he emphasized that the county should have a voice and some level of influence over the continued devaluation of industries that remain in operation. He provided specific examples of industries that experienced devaluations exceeding $10 million from one year to the next, despite no major disruption to their workforce or operations. Several of the industries referenced were present at the meeting and spoke in defense of their valuations.

Carbon County Commissioners remained after the meeting to answer additional questions from both industry representatives and the State Tax Commission, helping to clarify the magnitude of this tax shift occurring at the state level and its significant impact on Carbon County residents. The State Tax Commission committed to involving Carbon County more directly in future valuations, recognizing that the county may have relevant information to support the appeals process. This type of bridge-building with the Tax Commission and industry partners is essential to creating lasting and meaningful change in the community.

Residents of Carbon County are reminded that April 1st is the deadline to change or update their political party affiliation if they want to vote in a party’s primary that requires affiliation.

Primary election rules vary by party:

Voters are encouraged to review party rules and confirm their voter registration status before April 1st to ensure they can participate in the June 23rd primary according to the rules of the party they choose.

Voters can check or update their voter registration, including party affiliation, by visiting vote.utah.gov. The website is available 24 hours a day and provides step-by-step instructions.

Utah election law governing voter registration and affiliation changes is outlined in Utah Code Title 20A, Chapter 2, Section 107, which establishes the April 1st deadline and related requirements.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Carbon County Clerk’s Office at 435‑636‑3200, or visit the office in the Carbon County Administration Building, 751 E 100 N, Price.

April 1st is the deadline. Changes made after this date will not apply to the June 23rd primary election.

Carbon County is proud to support the 2026 High School Rodeo, scheduled April 2–4, 2026, at the Carbon County Fairgrounds. The event begins with a jackpot on Thursday, April 2, followed by full competition days on Friday and Saturday. Setup begins Monday, March 30, making portions of the facilities unavailable to other users for approximately six days.

To ensure a safe and well-organized event, the County is providing extensive support. The High School Rodeo Club has full access to the main arena, practice arena, grandstands, indoor arena, concessions kitchen, and all outdoor horse stalls—80 covered and 20 uncovered. All rental fees for these facilities are fully waived, meaning the Club does not bear standard rental costs. They were made aware of these waived fees and any minimal charges at the time the original quote was provided in March 2025, which has been honored unchanged despite requests for additional panels and increased support, allowing them to plan their event accordingly. These terms were established when the event was first quoted and have remained the same throughout the planning process.

In addition to the waived fees, the Club is permitted to manage and charge for the use of certain areas within County facilities. Stalls constructed inside the indoor arena are available for participant rental, and the Club may also charge for use of outdoor horse stalls. This arrangement allows the Club to generate revenue to support their operations throughout the coming year, providing an additional avenue of support beyond the County’s direct fee waivers.

County staff support is provided throughout setup, competition, and teardown, ensuring the event is safe and well-run. Only a small portion of operator time outside regular working hours and rental fees for a fraction of anticipated panel use are charged. These are the only fees applied to this event and exist solely to offset County operational costs, not to generate profit. Although panel usage has increased since the original quote, the County has honored the quote, so the Club pays for only a limited number of panels versus total use.

Taken together, waived facility rental fees, the ability for the Club to generate revenue through County facilities, and substantial operational support make Carbon County the event’s largest supporter. This combination of direct assistance and oversight ensures the event remains accessible to youth participants, responsibly managed, and consistent with how County resources are allocated across community events, reflecting the County’s ongoing commitment to youth programs, western heritage, and community traditions while maintaining stewardship of taxpayer resources.