Weber County adopts 2026 operating and capital budget, implements compensation study raises

Weber County commissioners voted Dec. 16 to adopt the county—s 2026 operating and capital budgets, approving staff-recommended adjustments that include pay changes from a compensation study and other program-level amendments.

Budget director Stephanie Ebert summarized changes from the tentative budget, which included compensation-study adjustments, an expanded student-loan reimbursement program, additional funding for capital defense counsel associated with the Doug Lovell case, and modest municipal services amendments tied to interlocal agreements presented earlier in the meeting.

Commission discussion identified the principal elements: a countywide compensation adjustment the chair described as about $5,000,000 total, of which roughly $3,500,000 goes to the sheriff—s office; a restored captain position in the sheriff—s office; reductions in some revenue lines (a $400,000 reduction in enforcement revenue offset by a $400,000 expenditure reduction in the sheriff—s budget); and internal transfers to cover last-minute adjustments. Commissioners characterized the budget process as extensive and public, and said the changes were prioritized to avoid a tax increase.

A motion to adopt Resolution 64-2025 (the 2026 operating and capital budgets and intent to pick up some employee retirement contributions) carried on a roll-call vote.

Next steps: staff will implement the adopted budget and monitor midyear requests for staffing adjustments; commissioners signaled willingness to consider midyear amendments if staffing or service needs change.