Commissioner John Cross emphasizes transparency, missing audits and constituent opposition to a proposed tax increase

Commissioner John Cross used closing remarks at the Nov. 18 meeting to summarize extensive constituent feedback about the county’s proposed tax increase and to call for greater transparency in county operations.

Cross said he has taken 'hundreds' of phone calls, messages and emails from residents expressing concern that families and fixed‑income households are feeling stretched by inflation and rising costs. He described holding three town halls, with another planned in December, and credited attendance by the Davis Journal and the League of Women Voters at public outreach events.

Cross also raised procedural concerns stemming from the county’s audit processes. He said he had found several audits that were not included in the audit‑committee packet (naming one from 'bridal control' and two from the sheriff’s office) and that a controller review uncovered two additional audits. He said these missing audits prompted unanswered questions at the November 3 audit meeting and that he will release a year‑end report with his observations and suggestions.

County staff present (including the controller) described municipal canvass activity and the status of controller review but did not provide an immediate, itemized rebuttal in the spoken record. Cross said he intends to continue soliciting public input and to provide recommendations to improve transparency.

What happens next: Cross said he will hold another town hall in December and will release a year‑end report to interested residents; separate budget and public hearing steps (including a Dec. 2 public hearing for brief public comments) remain part of the county’s process.