A public comment by the Tooele County auditor and a staff presentation preceded the council’s unanimous Oct. 21 vote to reassign several discretionary duties across county offices.

During the public-comment period, the person identifying themself as the county auditor said the council was “discussing removing more core duties from the auditor's office,” and described the specific reassignment as a step backward that would “cost the county opportunities, progress, partnerships, and credibility.” The auditor said a presentation previously delivered at the council “was used to intimidate both me and the citizens who came to speak that night” and said that the lack of trust between the auditor and the council had hindered progress on projects such as county water and transportation work.

After public comment, Nathan Harris presented a council-requested resolution realigning discretionary duties. Harris told the council the resolution would reassign these functions if adopted:
- Oversight of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council from the County Attorney’s Office to the Human Services Department.
- Business licensing from the County Clerk’s Office to Community Development.
- Disposition of surplus county property from the Clerk’s Office to the County Manager’s Office.
- Management of county assets and depreciation from the Auditor’s Office to the County Manager’s Office.
- Risk management oversight from the Auditor’s Office to the County Manager’s Office.

Harris said that while duties are being reassigned administratively, many functions “are multi-departmental” and that offices such as legal, the manager’s office and the auditor will still play roles in those areas.

Councilman Hoffman moved to adopt Resolution 2025-27; Councilman Strumberg seconded. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

Discussion vs. decision
The auditor’s remarks came during public comment (a discussion space for members of the public). The formal decision to realign duties occurred after a staff presentation and was memorialized in Resolution 2025-27.

What this changes
If implemented, the administrative oversight and primary departmental accountability for the listed functions will shift as described above; Harris noted that the reassignment is supervisory and that the auditor and other offices will retain operational roles as appropriate.

Ending
The council adopted Resolution 2025-27 unanimously. Staff and affected departments will proceed with administrative changes and coordination as the manager’s office and other departments implement the realigned duties.