Utah County Commission approves $70,000 amendment to fund efficiency director; confirms two appointees

The Utah County Commission on Sept. 3 approved a budget amendment that allocates $70,000 toward a proposed director of efficiency position, approved several consent items and confirmed two four-year appointments.

Commissioners said the $70,000 would come from savings and therefore would not change the county's overall budget for the year. Commissioners debated whether to hire a permanent employee or contract for the position; some commissioners said they preferred to delay creating a staff position and instead contract for services, while others said approving the amendment now preserves the option to add the position before year-end.

The amendment to item 11 passed by a 2-to-1 vote. The commission recorded the outcome as approved; the transcript does not record individual roll-call votes by name.

Earlier in the meeting, the commission approved item 3 after brief discussion of costs and whether a contractor would bring rock and equipment to address a localized problem. The motion and second were made on the record and the commissioners answered in the affirmative.

After a closed session the commission returned to regular session and approved item 8 and moved to approve item 13, confirming Andrea Allen and Anthony Canto to four-year terms and naming Kim Jackson as an alternate for the same board or panel. Those motions were seconded and approved on the record.

The meeting also included a ceremonial recognition: Sergeant Roger Love submitted a nomination for Deputy Joshua Jahola as employee of the month, and Jahola received a certificate and public appreciation from the commission.

The commission recessed into closed session after public comment and reconvened to complete the remaining agenda items. The meeting adjourned following the final motions.