Tensions Rise at Budget Planning Meeting Over Cuts, Taxes, and Spending Priorities
At a budget planning meeting held June 24, 2025, Davis County Commissioners met with department heads to consider possible spending cuts. The conversation quickly turned tense as proposals emerged to cut funding to the Davis County Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioner John Crofts pushed back on the direction of the proposed cuts, pointing to the recently approved $16 million extravagant animal shelter project. “That building could have been delayed, which would have allowed us to push off tax increases for several years,” Crofts stated. “Instead, I was outvoted by Chair Kamalu and the other Commissioner.” He emphasized that many residents in Davis County are suffering under financial strain and warned that tax increases are the wrong solution.
Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings expressed strong concern, criticizing prior commissions and warning that his office must be properly funded to protect the safety and welfare of county residents. Sheriff Kelly Sparks added that his department has already absorbed painful budget cuts in recent years and warned that current proposals would compromise public safety.
Commissioner Crofts, visibly frustrated, said he felt painted into a “red corner” by the other commissioners and was dismayed by what appeared to be an inevitable push toward tax hikes. “We need to protect our law enforcement and legal system, not gut it,” he said.
In a surprising moment, longtime Davis County employee Max Elliott—who turns 90 in July and has worked for the County for 65 years—came to the meeting unprepared to discuss cuts. Instead, he asked the Commissioners for a retirement incentive. While the request appeared to catch Commissioners off guard, no comments were made publicly at the time.
As departments await further direction, the budget discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with public input anticipated if tax increases are proposed.