Collard to step down from commission

MANTI—Sanpete County Commissioner Scott Collard will step down from his seat effective March 31, citing personal and health concerns.

Collard’s departure comes nearly two years before his term was set to end, which would be on Jan. 1, 2027. In a phone interview with the Messenger, he expressed regret at having to leave but said he reached the decision after careful deliberation.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Collard said of his time on the commission. “If it wasn’t for some really big reasons, I would not step down. I hate to leave. It’s hard to leave. It took me a long time to come to this decision.”

Collard confirmed he announced his intent to his fellow commissioners earlier this year. He emphasized how much he valued working alongside the other commissioners, citing their cooperation and dedication.

“Working with the other commissioners was great,” Collard said. “I had the pleasure of working with Scott [Bartholomew], Reed [Hatch] and Mike [Bennett], who are truly great men.”

With Collard’s resignation date looming, attention turns to how his replacement will be chosen. According to Heather Pyper, an election coordinator in the Sanpete County Clerk’s Office, it’s up to delegates to the Republican County Convention to make the decision.

Luann Greenwell, the county chairwoman, said selecting a replacement will be a component of the regular Sanpete Republican Organizing Convention, which will be held next Thursday, March 20. Delegates, who were elected last year, have been notified of the place and time. Besides filling the commission vacancy, delegates will elect a chair, vice chair and secretary for the county party.

Candidates for commission much meet basic residency requirements, be registered Republicans and submit their intent to run via email, Greenwell said. To do so, email SanpeteRepublicanSecretary@gmail.com.

“We will also take nominations from the floor that evening,” Greenwell said.

The newly selected commissioner could potentially assume office as soon as April 1, although exact timing will depend on the county clerk receiving official notice from the party of who the winner is and any notice requirements the replacement may have in a pre-existing position.

“Scott Collard is working through March 31,” Greenwell said. “The soonest [the replacement] would become active would be April 1, but there might be a little waiting period.”

Once the replacement is sworn in, that person will complete the remainder of Collard’s term.

Despite the early departure, Collard said he remains proud of his service to Sanpete County. “It wasn’t a decision I took lightly,” he said.