Weber County adopts tentative 2026 budget, sets Nov. 25 public hearing

The Weber County Commission voted Oct. 28 to adopt a tentative operating and capital budget for calendar year 2026 and set a public hearing for Nov. 25 at 6 p.m., with final adoption scheduled for Dec. 16.

"As required by state statute, I'm here this morning to present the tentative operating and capital budget for 2026," auditor Stephanie Ebert said, outlining the timeline for public comment and adoption. Ebert told commissioners the tentative plan implements recommendations from a countywide compensation study by Baker Tilly and includes a market-adjustment approach (a minimum 2% market adjustment in lieu of a standard cost-of-living increase) and a 1.5% pay-for-performance pool.

Ebert said the county already implemented pay increases for sworn sheriff's staff in August to meet newly adopted minimums. She also reported changes to benefits costs and staffing levels in the tentative budget: medical insurance is up about 6.9%, dental about 30%, and the total budget shows a net decrease of about 16 full-time-equivalent positions compared with the 2025 original budget. "We are able to implement these market study adjustments with no property tax increase," Ebert said.

Commissioners praised staff work during the budget process. Chair Commissioner Sharon Bolos thanked Ebert, the auditor's office and HR director Emily Wild for their roles in the pay study and budgeting. One commissioner noted the county chose to shift some money historically used for capital projects to cover personnel costs, acknowledging some capital projects may be slower to start as a result.

The commission formally moved to adopt the tentative budget; the motion was seconded, commissioners voted in favor and the motion carried. Ebert said the tentative budget will be available online for public review until the Nov. 25 hearing.

During the meeting the commission also approved routine consent items including purchase orders and warrants covering $2,889,647.37 in payments; Ricky Hatch read a breakdown of significant expenditures, including jail medical and inmate services, ramp awards to West Haven and Ogden City, paramedic services, and the 4100 North Extension road project.

Ron Gleason, a resident of Eden, had urged greater public access to the preliminary budget, particularly the municipal services fund, so city transition teams can compare revenue estimates. Ebert acknowledged the request and said staff would work to provide access and further information as the county refines municipal-services estimates tied to the new Ogden Valley City incorporation.

Next steps: a public hearing on the tentative budget is scheduled for Nov. 25 at 6 p.m., with final budget adoption expected Dec. 16.