Davis County Commission Meeting Highlights Key Financial Achievements and Approvals
August 20, 2024
The Davis County Commission convened its regular meeting today, addressing a wide array of topics that ranged from financial achievements to public health initiatives. The agenda was packed with important decisions and recognitions that will impact the community in the coming months.
Financial Excellence Recognized
The meeting began on a high note with the presentation of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Davis County was awarded this honor for the fiscal year ending in 2022, highlighting the county’s commitment to transparency and sound financial management. This recognition reflects the dedication of the county’s financial team in maintaining high standards in financial reporting.
Public Comments
The Public Comments section saw active participation from residents, with prominent citizens, including the Chair of the Davis County Conservatives, Tina Horlocher, presenting their concerns about fluoride in the county’s water supply. Horlocher and other citizens urged the Commission to place the issue on the ballot for public vote.
In response, Commission Chair Bob Stevenson stated that it was too late to add the measure to the ballot. However, the County Clerk corrected this assertion, clarifying that it was not too late. Despite this clarification, the Commission did not take any action to move the issue forward for ballot inclusion.
Another citizen added that fluoride is a highly contentious issue in the county, noting that it had previously led to a lawsuit against both the Commissioners and the Clerk’s office. This comment underscored the divisiveness of the topic and the significant public interest in how it is handled by the county.
Key Business and Actions
Clerk’s Office: The Commission approved the cancellation of the Regular Commission Meetings scheduled for October 22 and November 5, 2024. This decision was made to accommodate other significant county events and ensure that the commission’s work is carried out efficiently.
Commissioners’ Office: An application for the adjustment of property tax for 2023 for Val & Shelley Pendleton was approved under Utah Code 59-2-1347. This adjustment aims to provide financial relief to the Pendleton family, showcasing the commission’s responsiveness to individual taxpayer needs.
Community & Economic Development: Davis County’s 2024-2028 Five-Year Consolidated Plan for the Community Development Block Grant was approved. This plan outlines the county’s strategic goals for community development and sets the stage for future projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. Additionally, a Temporary Access License was granted to RB&G Engineering, allowing access to the West Point Drain, facilitating essential infrastructure work.
Health: Several amendments to contracts related to the Ecig Prevention Grant for South Davis Communities that Care (CTC), Layton CTC, and Davis School District were approved. These updates aim to enhance the objectives for fiscal year 2025, focusing on preventing youth e-cigarette use in the community. Furthermore, the Commission approved an agreement with Utah Mobile Emissions to pilot mobile Inspection/Maintenance testing for vehicles, a move expected to streamline vehicle emissions testing in the county.
Sheriff’s Office: The Commission approved a series of agreements, including a Training Agreement with Jimmy Durante for Special Function Officer (SFO) – Basic Corrections Officer (BCO) certification, and an Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) award of $63,900 from the Utah Division of Emergency Management. The approval of waiver, release, and indemnification agreements between Davis County and Weber County for Deputies Austin Nielsen and Ashton Olsen, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with the Utah Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, further underscore the county’s commitment to public safety.
Board of Equalization
The Property Tax Register for August 20, 2024, was reviewed and approved, ensuring that all tax assessments are fair and accurate for county residents.
Consent Items
The Commission swiftly approved several consent items, including the minutes from the Board of Canvass Meeting on August 5, 2024, the Work Session Meeting on August 6, 2024, and the Regular Commission Meeting on August 6, 2024. These approvals ensure that the official records accurately reflect the proceedings and decisions of the commission.
Additional Announcement
Additionally, the County Clerk announced that there would be a legislative audit on the Davis County Clerk’s office regarding signatures gathered for Governor Cox’s signature gathering campaign. This audit adds another layer of scrutiny to the ongoing discussions about election integrity and the role of the Clerk’s office.