Davis County clerk outlines 2026 budget, proposes small fee increases and reports election cost savings

County Clerk Brian McKenzie told the Davis County Budget Committee that the Clerk’s Office is forecasting a modest net budget increase next year as rising personnel costs and election staffing needs outpace savings and new revenues.

McKenzie said the office’s proposed adjustments include a $10 fee for in‑office marriage ceremonies, a $5 increase to the county portion of marriage license fees, and an increase in the office’s passport photo charge from $10 to $15. He described those changes as efforts to offset rising personnel and operating costs while keeping core services for residents.

The changes are proposals; the committee did not record a formal vote on the fee adjustments during the presentation. “We’re looking at the cost of the camera, the film, and the staffing,” McKenzie said when explaining the passport photo change. He added that the Department of State sets passport application fees and the county cannot change those amounts.

Why it matters: the Clerk’s Office administers elections, issues passports and marriage licenses, maintains voter registration rolls and county records, and serves as the county’s records and privacy officer. Changes to fees and operations affect individuals who use those services as well as the office’s ability to cover election and staffing costs.

Major figures and service volumes McKenzie gave to the committee included 14 full‑time and three part‑time staff…