Davis County Utah Weekly
**Special Note. (Typically I do not write Opinions.. this is IMPORTANT)
Special note from Commissioner John Crofts: Before the meeting, Congressman Blake Moore met with Commission Chair Lorene Kamalu and me. Out of nowhere, Lorene advocated raising taxes on credit unions. I immediately disagreed and encouraged Congressman Moore not to raise taxes on credit unions. I perceived Lorene’s comments as unhinged and against the voters of Davis County. I sent her an email stating my strong opposition and urging her to be better. She sounded like a tax-and-spend Democrat, not a Republican. I was extremely disgusted by comments that, in my view, would hurt Davis County voters.
Commission Meeting – July 29, 2025
Farmington, Utah – Congressman Blake Moore joined the Davis County Commission meeting on July 29, 2025, to update leaders and residents on his recent work in Washington and at Hill Air Force Base (HAFB). Chair Lorene Kamalu and Vice Chair John Crofts were present, with Clerk Brian McKenzie in attendance. Commissioner Bob Stevenson was excused.
Congressman Moore praised his staff, especially District Director Lisa Roskelley, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. He reflected on six busy months in Congress, largely spent on what he described as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Moore explained that the legislation made several 2017 tax reforms permanent, avoiding looming increases for families and businesses. The Child Tax Credit was highlighted, rising from its pre-2017 level of $1,000 to $2,200 and tied to inflation for future growth. Moore also emphasized provisions such as exempting overtime and tips from taxation and providing new relief for seniors.
On Hill Air Force Base, Moore reported progress in clearing maintenance backlogs for F-16 and F-35 aircraft. He praised General Bell and base leadership for reducing an F-16 backlog of 25 jets to just one. Moore also announced major federal funding to expand hangars at HAFB, which he said reflects the importance of the base and the strong support from Utah’s congressional delegation. He credited the community for supporting airmen and women and emphasized the base’s central role in national defense.
Sheriff Kelly Sparks presented additional details on a new agreement with the Utah State Hospital to open a Competency Restoration Unit (CRU) inside the Davis County Jail. The program will provide in-house treatment for inmates found incompetent to stand trial, reducing wait times and improving outcomes for both defendants and victims. The State Hospital will operate the unit, bringing more than $1.4 million annually to Davis County while prioritizing local inmates. Sheriff Sparks noted that while the agreement does not require new hires, he will request two dedicated deputies in next year’s budget to support the program. Legal Defender Coordinator Todd Utzinger called the CRU a “huge win for Davis County.” Commissioners praised the Sheriff’s leadership, with Commissioner Crofts highlighting the importance of solutions that address public safety and transparency.
The Children’s Justice Center (CJC) received good news with the award of a $64,262 federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant, ensuring support for child victims of sexual abuse and covering victim coordinator services. Director Julie Stephenson presented the grant details, with Commissioner Kamalu commending the center’s multidisciplinary work.
Commissioners approved several other contracts, including agreements for environmental health services, HIPAA compliance, insurance benefits, and public works projects. A resolution with West Point City was approved to enclose a jurisdictional drain as part of the 700 South road widening project.
Consent items included library donations, Western Sports Park agreements for gymnastics and basketball tournaments, and notice of an Emergency Operations Center furniture contract. Commissioner Kamalu highlighted the Western Sports Park as an investment in tourism and community opportunity.
In closing remarks, Commissioner Crofts praised the success of the Commission’s trial run of evening meetings in April through July. He called the sessions “a great opportunity for people to engage with the County” and urged the Commission to consider making them permanent. Crofts also announced plans to hold a town hall on transparency, continuing his campaign commitment to direct public engagement. Commissioner Kamalu reminded residents about the importance of voting in local elections, noting that “local government impacts us more than any other level of government.”
The meeting adjourned at 10:53 AM.