The Board of Davis County Commissioners met Nov. 18 in Farmington to consider a wide-ranging agenda that included transportation investments, economic development partnerships, and community services, while public comments continued to focus heavily on tax concerns.
During public comment, Layton resident Drew Chamberlain thanked commissioners for deciding against a full 30% tax increase and urged continued spending restraint. Chamberlain cited public feedback he observed at recent meetings, suggesting opposition to tax increases outweighed support by a large margin. He encouraged the county to reduce expenses where possible, including staffing and discretionary items such as library art purchases.
Earlier in the budget process, Commission Chair Lorene Kamalu had publicly advocated for a tax increase approaching 30%, a proposal that drew significant public opposition during multiple meetings and hearings.
Among the major actions taken at the Nov. 18 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved multiple transportation agreements with cities across the county, funding road and infrastructure projects in Farmington, Clinton, and West Point using voter-approved transportation funds. The commission also approved a seasonal ski bus partnership with the Utah Transit Authority, partially offset by contributions from Layton City and Snowbasin, after confirming the program aligned with the voter-approved intent of the 2015 Prop One quarter-percent sales tax.
Economic development items included a multi-year agreement with the Northern Utah Economic Alliance, leveraging state-matched funds for regional business recruitment, and approval of a $2 million arena naming rights agreement at Western Sports Park. Commissioners also approved agreements supporting tourism and recreation at Antelope Island, including a donation tied to the Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride and a mural grant for a new learning center near the marina.
The most debated item of the meeting was a $6,478 contract for six large acrylic photographs at the Farmington Library Branch. Commissioner John Crofts voted against the expenditure, citing poor timing and “bad optics” while residents were being asked to absorb a potential tax increase. Commissioners Lorene Kamalu and Bob Stevenson supported the purchase, emphasizing the library system’s efficiency, separate tax funding, and the value of welcoming public spaces. The motion passed on a 2–1 vote.
Additional actions included approval of fire sprinkler upgrades at Western Sports Park, acceptance of increased public health funding, postponement of a sheriff’s office contract pending renewal of a base agreement, and approval of numerous consent items supporting animal care, senior services, and volunteer programs.