Commission hears updates on mental health receiving center and use of fairpark

MANTI — Sanpete County commissioners on March 17 heard updates on a proposed regional mental health receiving center, approved a new fee arrangement for the Take-the-Oath Memorial Day rodeo event and discussed a push to recruit more senior-companion volunteers in the county.

One of the most substantial discussions came from Central Utah Counseling Center (CUCC), where officials reported a clean independent audit for fiscal year 2025 and updated commissioners on plans for a mental health crisis receiving facility in Richfield.

During his report, Richard Anderson, CUCC chief financial officer, said county contributions across the six counties served by the center came to $403,183 in fiscal year 2025, with state funds adding about $3.8 million, Medicaid revenue at about $9.5 million and total program revenue at roughly $14 million.

He said revenue over expenses came to $1,079,650, which the agency can use for reserves, capital projects and expensive services such as inpatient care. He also told commissioners auditors found no reportable noncompliance issues and no findings in the required state compliance areas.

The discussion then turned to the proposed receiving facility in Richfield.

“It is very similar to an emergency room,” Anderson said, “but it’s an emergency room specifically for those who are suffering from a mental illness.”

Officials said the outpatient building at the Richfield CUCC office had been demolished, and construction was beginning on the receiving center, with construction being funded by the state crisis commission. The main remaining hurdle, they said, is operating money.
Anderson said the agency hopes the Utah Legislature will fund operations in time for a July 1, 2027, opening.

Commissioners also pressed for reassurance that the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, or MCOT, would remain active after the receiving center is in operation. Anderson told them, “It will not suffer,” he said. “It will only be enhanced.”

Nathan Strait. CUCC director, added that MCOT would remain the first call in many crisis situations and said the service had been valuable to law enforcement.

There was another discussion during the meeting between the commission and Maradee Peterson of the R6 Regional Council, who introduced herself as the new director of aging services. She highlighted the Senior Companion program, which connects volunteers age 55 and older with elderly persons over 55 who need help to stay in their homes.

Peterson said volunteers may visit with participants, watch a movie with them and help with rides to stores or doctor appointments. She said eligible volunteers may receive a stipend and mileage reimbursement. And she told commissioners there is a need for more volunteers in the Sanpete area.

Commissioners discussed posting information in county buildings, senior centers and on the county website, along with sharing it through mayor newsletters and community networks.

The commission also spent considerable time on a request from Jon Larson of Take-the- Oath, the nonprofit that organizes the Memorial Day rodeo.

The agenda listed the item as a discussion over whether use of county equipment and holding a luncheon in the new Sanpete Events Center could be included in the arena reservation, but the discussion widened into how the county should charge for the event and what kind of support the group could expect on event day.

Larson told commissioners the group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and said proceeds from the event go back into county and community causes, including a proposed veterans memorial, Search and Rescue, the Sheriff’s Department, fire departments and an Ephraim memorial fund.
He said the group faces a particular challenge because rodeo ticket sales are heavily tied to weather and often come only shortly before the event, leaving organizers exposed if poor weather hits over Memorial Day weekend.

Larson asked commissioners for relief on arena-related costs and for clearer guidance on what county equipment could be used to prepare the grounds. The discussion covered use of a water truck, tractor and tiller, along with what would happen if the usual operator was unavailable. County representatives indicated operational coverage would be arranged.

The group also discussed using the new Sanpete Events Center for hospitality and a luncheon rather than the outdoor pavilion. During that discussion, commissioners confirmed the nonprofit half-day rate for the Event Center was $160, and organizers indicated that amount would work.

The commission ultimately approved a new arrangement, charging arena rent at $1 per ticket sold, with the total capped at the regular arena rental amount.

The approval came with a condition. Commissioners required the organization to return before the next event and report how the money had been donated or used within Sanpete County.