FARMINGTON, Utah — The Davis County Commission approved a 14.9% property tax increase Tuesday night following a contentious Truth in Taxation public hearing that drew hundreds of residents, filled multiple overflow rooms, and exposed deep public anger over County spending, fiscal priorities, and leadership responsiveness.
The December 2 meeting at the Davis County Administration Building lasted more than three hours and featured dozens of public comments, the overwhelming majority opposing any tax increase. Residents cited rising property taxes, inflation, insurance costs, stagnant incomes, and what many described as unchecked government growth.
Despite the intensity and consistency of public opposition, the tax increase passed on a 2–1 vote, with Commissioner Lorene Kamalu and Commissioner Bob Stevenson voting in favor and Commissioner John Crofts voting against.
Overflow Crowds and Media Concerns
Attendance far exceeded the capacity of the Commission chambers, requiring several overflow rooms with muted audio and limited visibility. No special accommodations were made for the media inside the Commission room, and numerous attendees expressed concern that the magnitude and tone of the meeting would not be accurately reflected in official records.
Although Clerk’s Office staff attempted to maintain decorum, their actions were perceived negatively by many members of the public, particularly as applause and emotional reactions were repeatedly discouraged during deeply personal testimony.
Several attendees later stated that the official meeting minutes significantly muted the intensity of the meeting, failing to fully capture the level of criticism, frustration, and anger directed at County leadership. The minutes, while procedurally accurate, reflect a noticeably softer tone than what occurred in the room.
Competing Tax Proposals and a Divided Commission
During deliberations, starkly different positions emerged among the Commissioners.
Commissioner Lorene Kamalu had repeatedly and publicly stated—both before and during the process—that she wanted the maximum allowable tax increase of nearly 30%. According to multiple statements made at open houses and during Commission discussions, Kamalu favored the highest increase permitted under state law and showed little interest in adjusting that position despite overwhelming public opposition.
Neither of the other Commissioners supported a 30% increase, preventing it from advancing. Critics in attendance said Kamalu’s posture demonstrated a complete disregard for voter sentiment, even as residents packed multiple rooms pleading for restraint.
Commissioner Bob Stevenson proposed a 9.9% tax increase, arguing it could balance fiscal realities while limiting the burden on taxpayers.
Commissioner John Crofts, citing the volume and consistency of public opposition, insisted the Commission listen to voters and introduced a motion for a 0% tax increase.
Neither Crofts’ motion nor Stevenson’s 9.9% proposal received a second. Kamalu then moved to approve a 14.9% increase, which Stevenson seconded. The motion passed on a split vote, with Crofts dissenting.
Crofts Criticizes Spending and Fiscal Direction
In explaining his vote, Crofts sharply criticized what he described as a failure of fiscal conservatism by his fellow Commissioners, arguing that past spending decisions directly created the current budget crisis.
Crofts strongly opposed the County’s approval of $16.5 million for a new animal shelter, noting that it replaces a facility built in 1987 that he said was not obsolete and could have been upgraded at far lower cost. He called the project unnecessary, poorly timed, and emblematic of a spending culture disconnected from taxpayer realities.
He also criticized the animal control tax approved last year, which is funded through property taxes, calling it wasteful and arguing that it places County government in direct competition with private businesses offering similar services.
According to Crofts, such decisions reveal a broader pattern of government expansion rather than prioritizing core services and living within existing revenues.
“I ran on putting voters first,” Crofts said during the meeting. “When hundreds of residents show up and tell us they cannot afford higher taxes, ignoring them is not representative government.”
Public Reaction: “Livid” and Unheard
Public testimony throughout the evening was emotional and often angry. Seniors on fixed incomes warned they may be forced out of their homes. Young families described being squeezed by housing costs, insurance increases, and stagnant wages. Business owners warned that higher taxes would inevitably be passed on to consumers and renters.
Repeated calls were made for hiring freezes, benefit reductions, zero-based budgeting, and postponement of large capital projects before any tax increase was considered.
Many attendees described themselves as livid, stating they felt the decision was predetermined and that the hearing served more as a procedural requirement than a genuine opportunity to influence the outcome.
What Comes Next
The tax increase becomes official with the adoption of the resolution, setting the County’s levy above the certified tax rate for 2026. Final budget adjustments will follow in the coming weeks.
Crofts said he will continue pressing for spending restraint, cultural reform within County government, and greater transparency, warning that voter trust has been severely damaged.
“This wasn’t just a budget vote,” Crofts said. “It was a test of whether elected officials actually listen to the people they represent.”