Utah County commissioners adopt ordinance to split consolidated clerk and auditor offices after yearlong review

The Utah County Board of County Commissioners voted 2–1 to adopt an ordinance to separate the consolidated offices of the county clerk and county auditor, advancing a plan the commission said is intended to provide more specialized focus for elections and auditing functions.

The commission’s discussion centered on a yearlong committee review of staffing models, space needs and costs presented by Ralph Barnes, the county human resources manager. Barnes told commissioners that a minimal model—creating a separate elected office with limited support staff—would carry ongoing annual costs of about $196,000 and first-year costs (including remodel and one-time equipment) of about $276,000. He presented two larger staffing options with higher first-year and ongoing costs, and recommended planning for support staff such as a deputy for any new elected…