Davis County Commission Meeting – July 22, 2025: Key Highlights
The Davis County Commission convened on July 22, 2025, with several important agenda items addressed.
Public Comments were received at the start of the meeting, allowing residents to share input on county matters.
During Recognitions and Informational Items, Centerville City announced its intent to place a RAP tax opinion measure on the ballot. This was formally recommended by Commission Chair Lorene Kamalu.
The Commission also appointed and administered the oath of office for the County’s new Controller, Scott Parke, as recommended by Chair Kamalu.
Business and Action Items included:
- Approval of minutes from the July 1 and July 8, 2025, meetings.
- Adoption of Ordinance ORD 2025-5, adding a County Data Privacy Program to the Davis County Code, as proposed by Clerk Brian McKenzie.
- Passage of Resolution RES 2025-15, notifying Centerville City that Davis County does not intend to impose a RAP-funded local sales tax.
Contracts and Agreements:
- A $66,000 agreement with architect Gary Hunt for design services on an Emission Training Facility.
- A $1.43 million guaranteed maximum price amendment with Studio Miers|Chou|Poon for the new Animal Care facility.
- Agreements with Utah Legal Services ($7,674), the VA Veterans Health Administration, and Exercise Innovations LLC ($1,300 for “Bingocize” programs).
Tax Administration processed the Property Tax Register for July 22.
In Closing Remarks, Commissioner John Crofts delivered a pointed statement on fiscal accountability, the need for policy consistency, and respect for taxpayer dollars. He voiced concern about government growth during a time of financial strain, criticized exceptions to travel policy, and challenged misinformation about the new animal shelter and tax increases. He emphasized the importance of public trust, stating:
“I am listening to the public. I am standing up for fiscal responsibility. I am fighting to protect taxpayers. And I will continue to do so—even when I am outvoted.”
Following his remarks, Chair Lorene Kamalu shared a reflection about a book she had recently read about George Washington.
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Here is the statement read by John Crofts,
Commission meeting 22 July 2025
Commission Meeting Statement – Commissioner John Crofts
Before I begin, I want to remind everyone here of something fundamental.
We sit in elected positions. I serve in Seat C, Commissioner Kamalu in Seat B, and Commissioner Stevenson in Seat A. But none of these seats belong to us—they belong to the voters of Davis County. These are not personal titles. They are temporary stewardships, entrusted to us by the sacred trust of the people.
I’ve heard people refer to elected positions as if they are permanently tied to the individuals who hold them. These seats are not ours. We serve at the pleasure of the voters for a limited time. That’s it.
My predecessor, Commissioner Randy Elliott, believed in term limits. He honored his commitment and chose not to seek a third term. That showed integrity. I now serve in his seat—not because it’s mine, but because the people chose me. All elected officials must remember: these positions are temporary jobs, not personal property.
We are in a time of real financial strain. Families are struggling. Seniors are deciding between paying bills and buying groceries. These are real people—our neighbors—who deserve better stewardship from their government.
Earlier this summer, we conducted a countywide stress test to identify where we could cut costs. But I must ask: Did we ALL take it seriously?
Because just days after the Stress Test, a request was made to create another Confidential Secretary position—a hire I believe is unnecessary. Other departments have clearly stated they don’t need similar positions. Expanding government during a financial crunch sends the wrong message.
It didn’t stop there. A request was also made for a personal exception to our travel policy to allow an overnight stays in Brigham City—a short drive. In my view, the request was inappropriate, and it was a mistake for the Commission to approve it–over my objection.
We have close to 1,200 employees who follow policy without asking for special treatment. Elected officials should be held to the same standard—if not a higher one. Special exceptions for those in power undermine fairness and trust.
And yes, I’ve heard through the grapevine that some in County Government have mocked me for raising concerns and trying to rein in unnecessary spending. But let me be clear: they don’t answer to the taxpayer—we (the Commissioners) do. Commissioners are elected by the people, and I will not stay silent when I believe voters trust is being thrown off the boat.
Let’s also address the Animal Shelter. A recent article claimed we saved $2 million. That’s false. We’re spending $16.5 million instead of $18.5 million, and the only reason for the cost reduction is because we drained Fund 10, a more flexible fund. That’s not savings. That’s short-term thinking. I voted against that move, and I stand by it.
I also have concerns about building the shelter near the Wasatch Fault, which poses serious risk in the event of an earthquake.
Last year, I opposed the new Animal Welfare tax, which puts the County in direct competition with private veterinarians. That tax, which cost my household $16.99 last year, is now going up 53.09% to $24.31. I also received inaccurate information from our former Animal Care Director about spay/neuter costs—information that was used to justify the tax increase last year. That individual has since resigned, but now we have a new tax that doesn’t go away.
We must focus on core services—law enforcement, prosecution, and public safety. That’s where taxpayer dollars belong—not in duplicative or unnecessary government expansion.
And now, I want to address another misunderstanding I’ve heard directly from delegates and members of the public: that Commissioners don’t work hard.
Let me be absolutely clear—we work harder than most people realize. I’ve taken calls at 5:00 a.m., and I’ve been on the phone late into the night, addressing issues that impact real people. We’re out of the office frequently—not because we aren’t working, but because we’re engaged with our communities, visiting departments, and solving problems. You might not see us at a desk, but that doesn’t mean we’re not putting in the time. We are.
This is one of the most challenging and rewarding forms of public service. Did you know there are nearly 30 employees in Davis County are compensated at a higher level than Commissioners. In order to attract the best possible candidates and staff we have to pay higher. We do that while not giving ourselves raises. Comparable Class 2 counties like Utah and Weber pay their commissioners much more than Davis County Commissioners.
We Commissioners don’t always agree—on taxes, on vision, or on the direction of the County—but please don’t say all of us are in this for ourselves. I do this because I care about Davis County, and I want Davis County to stay great.
Last week, my daughter was married, and even on that special day, I was answering calls and dealing with County issues. Because public service demands commitment. And I take that commitment seriously.
To anyone considering public office: enter with humility, a servant’s heart, and a willingness to work hard, even when it’s inconvenient.
When we ignore our own policies, build too much, spend too much, and create exceptions for “some–but not all”, and mock those who speak out, we erode public trust.
So let me say this clearly:
I am listening to the public.
I am standing up for fiscal responsibility.
I am fighting to protect taxpayers.
And I will continue to do so—even when I am outvoted.
That concludes my indignant comments.
I just didn’t realize that putting Voters First would be this hard.
Thank you.