The Board of Davis County Commissioners met Nov. 25 in Farmington for a brief regular meeting that included public comment on taxes, updates to county ordinances, and several interlocal and service agreements.
During public comment, Layton resident Drew Chamberlain played a song he wrote opposing a tax increase, continuing a theme that has dominated recent commission meetings.
The commission unanimously approved an ordinance updating fees in the County Clerk’s and Recorder’s offices, including modest increases to marriage license, passport photo, and document copy fees. County officials said the changes—last updated in 2015—are intended to improve cost recovery and are projected to generate approximately $50,000 in additional annual revenue.
More debate surrounded amendments to the county’s campaign finance disclosure ordinance. The changes add a required post–political convention financial report, incorporate new state requirements for candidates filling vacancies, and retain language requiring a final disclosure from office holders leaving office. County Clerk Brian McKenzie and Commission Chair Lorene Kamalu cited transparency as a primary justification for the amendments.
Commissioner John Crofts opposed the ordinance and questioned whether the proposed amendments grant the County Clerk authority beyond the minimum requirements established in state statute. Crofts said he directly asked Clerk Brian McKenzie whether the county ordinance expands the Clerk’s authority beyond what state law requires. Crofts stated he is opposed to granting the Clerk any additional authority beyond that expressly allowed under state statute, warning that expanded reporting requirements could increase the Clerk’s ability to disqualify candidates or exercise discretion not explicitly provided for in Utah law. The ordinance passed on a 2–1 vote, with Crofts dissenting.
Other approved items included property tax adjustments to correct county errors, appointment to the Davis County Tourism Tax Advisory Board, renewal of the Snowbasin ski bus program with the Utah Transit Authority, approval of the final Discover Davis mural grant in Clearfield City, renewal of county GIS software licensing at a negotiated lower cost, and an interlocal agreement with West Point City for a stormwater study.
In closing remarks, commissioners encouraged civic engagement and volunteerism ahead of Thanksgiving.