Audit committee discusses staggering public-member terms, thanks long-serving volunteers

At the March 5 meeting, the Davis County Audit Committee discussed the upcoming expiration of its two public-member seats and agreed to seek staggered terms to preserve institutional memory.

Chair Neil Gabbis said both public members' two-year terms expire June 7 and proposed replacing one member while asking the other to serve an additional year so the committee does not lose both public members at once. "We have thought that it's probably a good idea looking ahead to not lose both public members at the same exact time," Gabbis said.

Members praised the experience the current public members brought to the committee and discussed the value of recruiting candidates with public-finance experience, though several commissioners cautioned against rigidly limiting applicants to a single professional background. Tracy Kroger, a public member, and John Nixil, another public member, were singled out for their service.

The committee also noted the sensitivity of some audit discussions and agreed any candidates should understand confidentiality expectations. "There are sensitive things that are in this group and discussed and shared. ... We better make sure that we discuss that with potentials and the people that are chosen," Gabbis said.

No formal appointment decisions were made at the meeting; the committee asked staff to note the June 7 term expiration and to pursue staggered replacements as appropriate.

Ending: Committee members thanked current public members for their service and said they will seek candidates who can provide continuity and respect confidentiality requirements.