During the Utah County Commission meeting on April 12, 2023, discussions centered around a request for a fee waiver related to security for an upcoming event. The conversation highlighted the financial implications of such requests on the county's budget, particularly from the perspective of Sheriff Mike Smith.

Sheriff Smith expressed concerns about the frequency of similar requests, emphasizing that accommodating these demands often comes at a cost to the sheriff's office budget. He noted that while the county could consider waiving fees, it would be prudent to establish a budget specifically for such accommodations to avoid straining existing resources. The sheriff pointed out that the responsibility for covering security costs should ideally fall on the event organizers rather than the county.

The request in question involved the use of two Provo police officers for security, which raised questions about whether the county should waive the associated fees typically charged by the sheriff's office. The commissioners discussed the adequacy of Provo PD's security in lieu of sheriff's deputies and considered the implications of waiving the security fee entirely.

Commissioners noted that requests for security fee waivers are not common, typically arising for events held after hours or on weekends. They acknowledged that most event permits do not require such waivers, but they do occur occasionally, such as for wedding receptions.

Ultimately, the commission reached a consensus to approve the waiver of both the event permit and the security fee, contingent upon the event organizers providing proof of insurance. This decision reflects a willingness to support community events while ensuring that necessary precautions, such as insurance, are in place to mitigate potential risks.

The meeting underscored the ongoing balancing act faced by local government officials in accommodating community needs while managing budgetary constraints. As the county continues to navigate these requests, the establishment of a dedicated budget for event-related accommodations may become a topic for future discussions.