The Davis County Commission met Sept. 16 in Farmington for a regular meeting that included election-related public outreach, approval of major human services funding, and a special spotlight on a fundraiser supporting homeless and at-risk students in the Davis School District.
During public comment, Ann Johnson of Farmington, representing the League of Women Voters, announced a series of nonpartisan “Meet the Candidates” events planned for October in partnership with nine Davis County cities. Johnson said the League’s goal is to encourage voter registration and informed participation by asking candidates the same questions in a structured, non-debate format. She noted details would be posted on the League’s website, participating cities’ websites, and the county newsletter, “The Connector.”
Chair Lorene Kamalu adjusted the agenda to move a Western Sports Park item out of the consent calendar for separate discussion. Commissioners unanimously approved a no-fee rental agreement allowing the Davis Education Foundation to hold its annual “Grab and Go” fundraiser Dec. 3 at the Western Sports Park. Foundation representative Ginger Coulm told commissioners the organization supports roughly 1,300 homeless and at-risk children and has helped establish 10 teen centers at local junior highs and high schools that provide access to showers, laundry, food, and study space. The “Grab and Go” effort, she said, provides protein-rich, ready-to-eat food for students—including unaccompanied minors who may be living in cars or couch-surfing. County attorney Neal Geddes said last year’s event raised nearly $12,000, produced 1,500 kits, and distributed 340 gift cards to students in need.
In other actions, commissioners approved a $13.77 million pass-through agreement to fund mental health and substance-use disorder services through Davis Behavioral Health. The commission also held a public hearing and unanimously adopted the county’s annual CAPER report for federal Community Development Block Grant programs. County staff reported eight CDBG-funded projects totaling $849,464 assisted 3,280 low- to moderate-income residents through efforts including senior center improvements, home rehabilitation, water infrastructure, and housing-related programs.
Commissioners postponed a proposed Western Sports Park sponsorship agreement with CommonSpirit Mountain Region, as well as one of two planned Board of Equalization hearing officer contracts. They approved a separate hearing officer contract with Esther Martinez and approved a 3% increase in the jail food services contract with Summit Food Services.
Consent items approved included multiple Western Sports Park event agreements, advertising with Station Park, an agreement with the Utah Food Bank to help provide diapers to families in crisis, and routine criminal justice monitoring program agreements.
In closing remarks, Vice Chair John Crofts thanked the League of Women Voters for promoting an upcoming transparency town hall and reiterated his support for greater civic engagement and renewed local journalism. Chair Kamalu praised the League’s longstanding nonpartisan work and reported on the Utah Association of Counties conference hosted in Layton, noting strong attendance and county involvement.
The meeting adjourned at 10:29 a.m. All actions remain subject to final approval upon adoption of the official minutes.