Commission approves fingerprint machine purchase and several budget transfers including ID verification and safety incentives

At the March 1 meeting, the Utah County Commission approved a sheriff’s office request to replace an aging fingerprint machine and authorized several interdepartmental budget transfers.

Sheriff’s staff explained the existing fingerprint reader is about 10 years old and experiencing hardware and software issues. Commissioners supported purchasing a replacement (approximately $12,000) and directed a $2,500 budget transfer from account 2500 to cover the overage; the motion to approve the purchase passed with the condition of an identified budget transfer.

Separately, the Clerk/Auditor requested a $25,000 transfer to pay for identity verification services tied to an expanded online marriage‑license process. The commissioner noted the fee will largely be budget‑neutral because the additional online processing generates revenue that will offset the cost over time. The commission approved a resolution transferring funds between departments as stated in agenda item 22 and noted one of the transfers was COVID‑related.

Commissioners also discussed a legacy safety incentive program administered with the Utah Local Governments Trust. The sheriff’s office and clerk indicated quarterly transfers had worked administratively; commissioners agreed to continue funding the program with monitoring.

Votes on the item were recorded by voice as passing '3 0.' Commissioners asked staff to track COVID‑tagged invoices and to ensure that transfers remain transparent in future budget reporting.