Wasatch County Council Chair Karl McMillan announced his resignation last week, citing “cancer problems.” He will now be focusing his efforts on palliative care, a holistic approach meant to improve the quality of life of patients with serious diseases like cancer.
McMillan represented Seat F, the area of the county east of Mill Road and Center Street in Heber City and all of Hideout. The Republican has occupied the seat since 2023 and previously served one term on the Wasatch County Planning Commission.
As chair, McMillan navigated the County Council through discussions on topics ranging from affordable housing developments to county finances.
He served on the boards of the Mountainland Association of Governments Council, the North Village Special Service District and the Military Installation Development Authority. McMillan also served on the Wasatch Open Lands Board, helping to facilitate conservation easements on more than 350 acres, according to a county press release.
He also seems to have been beloved among County Council members for his sense of humor.
“Someone asked me the other day, … ‘I don’t know why in the world anyone would ever run for public office. … You’re on the county council. Why in the world would you ever do that?’” County Councilor Mark Nelson told McMillan during the April 1 meeting. “I just want to say, thank you for running and for being here. And you have, in my opinion, two of the most important qualities you have to have: wisdom and wit. You were lots of fun to be around.”
County Council Vice Chair Erik Rowland agreed.
“Karl has served with honesty, courage, and a sense of humor that could lighten even the toughest discussions,” he said. “He always spoke his mind, stood by his principles and brought authenticity to every conversation. He will be greatly missed on the council, and we wish him strength and the very best as he focuses on his health.”
McMillan could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.
McMillan announced his reelection campaign in January. He said then that his top concern was making sure the county has infrastructure in place — water, sewer and utilities — to support new development, particularly after Utah’s recent dry winter.
McMillan withdrew from the race on March 11. Two weeks later, fellow Republican candidate Bruce Zollinger also withdrew his candidacy for Seat F.
Democrat Joseph Tugaw and Republican Michael Murphy are the only remaining candidates running for Seat F. Each candidate was essentially guaranteed to receive their respective party’s nomination during the county conventions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tugaw is a former real estate investor who shared McMillan’s infrastructure concern as his top priority.
Murphy is an associate member of the Planning Commission whose top issues are increasing affordability and controlling growth.
Until inauguration day in January, an interim councilor will be chosen to fill Seat F. The County GOP will nominate someone to fill the vacancy in the next few weeks.
Deputy County Attorney Alex Stoeder will explain the next steps in the vacancy process during the County Council work meeting Wednesday.
During the County Council meeting on April 22, officials will reassign McMillan’s board assignments and determine who will serve as county council chair until Jan. 6. Until April 22, Rowland will serve as interim chair.