Davis County commissioners on Dec. 2 adopted a resolution signaling their intent to levy a property tax rate 14.9% above the certified rate, producing about $6.3 million, after a public hearing in which dozens of residents urged no increase.

County Controller Scott Park told the commission the general fund faces a $12,000,000 structural deficit and laid out three options: deep service cuts with no tax increase; a hybrid of a 14.9% tax increase accompanied by roughly $6,000,000 in targeted cuts; or a near-30% increase to avoid service reductions. "For this budget to work, we would have to pull millions of dollars from our savings account just to keep the lights on, and this is simply unsustainable in the long run," Park said during his presentation.

The hearing drew residents from across the county to multiple overflow rooms and online participation. Commenters repeatedly described the proposed increase as excessive and highlighted specific local impacts. "My taxes every year go up by a substantial amount…I'm gonna have to seriously look at selling my property because I can no longer afford your property tax," said Marty Nelson of Farmington, describing a jump in his annual bill. Several other speakers asked commissioners to prioritize cuts, hiring freezes or 0-based budgeting over raising taxes.

Speakers also criticized the county's use of one-time federal relief and other temporary funds to cover ongoing costs. "The fact that the county used one-time ARPA funds to cover ongoing operating cost and to fund new permanent positions is inexcusable," said Ronald Mortensen, cofounder of citizensfortaxfairness.org. Multiple residents pointed to large proposed capital items — including a new animal shelter and other projects — and urged postponement or alternative financing.

Commission debate that followed the public comment period reflected the tension between fiscal constraints and political backlash. Commissioners discussed a range of targets including a compromise 9.9% increase proposed by one member, an option to hold rates flat, and the controller's previously published cap near 30%. Commissioners noted that a 9.9% increase would add approximately $4.2 million and would still require substantial cuts to services.

Ultimately, the commission adopted the resolution to levy a tax rate exceeding the certified rate that would yield an additional $6,300,000 at a 14.9% increase. The roll-call vote recorded two aye votes and one nay. Chair Loreen Kamalu read the statutorily required motion language as part of the record before the vote.

The action establishes a target for the controller to continue preparing the tentative 2026 budget; it does not finalize the final tax rate, which will be set after additional hearings and statutory deadlines. Commissioners said staff will return with more detailed line-item work and potential cuts to reconcile remaining shortfalls. The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote.