Review of the USACCC Summer Conference
Below is recap of just a few of several topics discussed at the July 17 USACCC Summer Conference in Logan. USACCC will be meeting again September 23-25 at the Park City Marriott. You can register or get more information for this conference at the UAC website at www.uacnet.org

Counties to Fund Restaurant Tax Study
Utah’s county commissioners and council members voted to pay for a study conducted by Wikstrom Consultants regarding the efficiency of the restaurant tax. Over the past couple of years, the restaurant tax has come under attack from the Restaurant Association as well as some corners of the Legislature. Legitimate issues have been raised regarding restaurant tax and it is USACCC’s hope that the commissioned study can answer some of those questions. Funding for the study will come from a formula that considers the percentage of the restaurant tax each county collects.

UAC Prepping for Possible Utah Retirement Systems Modifications
Adam Trupp of UAC provided a summary of ongoing discussions about possible modifications to the Utah Retirement Systems. These discussions have convened representatives of local governments and have focused on identifying acceptable modifications to retirement benefits if modifications are considered by the Legislature during the coming session. Adam asked USACCC members to discuss the issue and the options in their county in order to assist with developing a UAC position.

GOED Reports that Utah’s Business Climate is Fairing Well
Derek Miller, Interim Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, delivered a snapshot of some of the State’s positive economic development activity in recent months. Among the highlights was Utah’s jump from number nine to number two in the nation in the Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for the 2009 report. This was Utah’s third year straight in the top 10. He also outlined a number of the State’s current programs and resources, designed to promote business growth and retention on the local level.

USACCC Considering Support of Sheriff’s Jurisdictional Issue
Cache and Kane County Sheriffs Lynn Nelson and Lamont Smith shared with USACCC members concerns over law enforcement relationships and coordination between federal and local authorities. The Sheriff’s Association has hired outside counsel to take a comprehensive look at the root authority and limitations of federal agencies. They contend that the Bureau of Land Management, in particular, has only been given Proprietary Authority status, which is akin to what a retail security guard has, yet several experiences have suggested that the BLM has overstepped this authority. USACCC members voted to create a sub-committee to evaluate providing support to the Sheriff’s Association in this area and will report their recommendation back to the group in September.

Medical Services in County Jails
Reed Richards, Weber County Attorney’s Office, discussed the rules related to providing medical services to inmates in county jails. After both litigation and legislation, the rule now is that counties pay for inmate medical costs once the jail accepts and books an inmate. Hospital costs are paid at the Medicare rates and other medical costs are paid at 65% of the prevailing PEHP rates. Medicare rates are available on the internet and PEHP rates are available, on request, from the Sheriff’s Association. Medical providers will not calculate the amounts for the jails. Jails will be billed at full rate and it is up to them to pay at the proper rate. The savings can range from 80% to 45% of the billed rate. Pat Flemming, Salt Lake County Substance Abuse, discussed the effort being made in SL County to extend Medicare to inmates when they are released from incarceration.