Farmington, Utah — January 20, 2026 — The Davis County Commission’s regular meeting on Tuesday opened with a pointed public comment from Irene Hill of Layton City, who urged the Board to permanently fund child-protection prosecution and criticized how some residents have been treated when speaking out on child safety issues.
Hill, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance, spoke during the public comment period about “child safety and the integrity of the community.” She said she was concerned with how the Commission has handled priorities related to child protection—particularly the way the County Attorney’s Department has been funded.
According to Hill, prosecutors have been “extraordinarily successful” in cases involving child abuse and sexual exploitation, but the County supported what she described as “mission-critical public safety work” using “temporary dollars.” Hill argued that relying on temporary money to fund permanent child-protection work is “poor governance and irresponsible budgeting.” She closed that portion of her remarks by asking the Board to fund child protection “permanently and responsibly.”
Hill then shifted to what she characterized as a broader issue of how citizens are treated when they speak up. She said she has not forgiven the actions of Commissioner Lorene Kamalu, Commissioner Bob Stevenson, and emeritus Commissioner Randy Elliot during prior discussions involving a proposed permanent homeless shelter. Hill claimed that parents who raised safety concerns were labeled “unchristian,” which she said she found offensive.
Hill also cited what she described as “unhinged comments” by Commissioner Stevenson, stating he threatened to have citizens arrested or removed from the chambers while a woman was holding a child and addressing the Commission. Hill said she viewed that conduct as intimidation rather than leadership.
In defending local residents, Hill stated that Davis County citizens are “among the most charitable people in the United States,” adding that residents donate generously and volunteer consistently for people in need. She said disagreeing with a policy does not make someone immoral and argued that parents should never feel shamed for advocating for their children.
Hill concluded by urging the Board to both fund child protection reliably and treat Davis County residents with respect.
After Hill’s remarks, Commission Chair John Crofts thanked her and stated that public comments are always appreciated, even when they are sometimes “difficult to hear.”
Following public comment, the Commission approved meeting minutes from January 6 and moved through agenda items including a quitclaim deed to finalize conveyance of surplus property to North Salt Lake City for a drainage project, several health-related contracts and amendments, and library consortium access agreements. The Board also approved agreements related to the Sheriff’s Office and Western Sports Park, as well as routine Board of Equalization actions.
In closing remarks, Commissioner Kamalu responded to Hill’s concerns, explaining that certain one-time federal funds were governed by specific rules and had been used for one-time needs and significant criminal justice demands. Commissioner Stevenson provided an update on 911 dispatch consolidation efforts, including timing and next steps for cities considering agreements. Chair Crofts addressed upcoming community communications and volunteer-led advisory efforts aimed at improving transparency and public engagement.
The meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
These minutes are pending legislative approval and are subject to change until approved.