Davis County Commission approves amendment to 2026 operating and capital budgets after brief public hearing

The Davis County Commission on Feb. 17 approved a resolution amending the county’s 2026 operating and capital budgets after a brief public hearing.

Scott Parke, Davis County controller, told commissioners the county initially faced a $12 million deficit. A truth-in-taxation process raised roughly $6 million in new revenue, leaving a $6 million gap, Parke said. To bring ongoing revenues and expenses into balance, he described a three-step approach: departmental reductions (3–5 percent scenarios, with some offering up to 6 percent), voluntary early-retirement buyouts coordinated with Human Resources, and final adjustments as part of the 2027 budget process. Parke also noted certain 2025 appropriated funds are rolling into 2026 to finish projects and do not represent new ongoing expenditures.

Commissioner Lorene Kamalu moved to open the public hearing; the hearing was opened and closed with no public comments. The Commission then voted to adopt the resolution; motions were made and seconded, and all present voted aye.

Why it matters: The amendment narrows a multi‑million dollar budget gap through a mix of revenue from recent taxation and planned spending reductions and personnel options, while some one‑time 2025 appropriations carry forward to complete projects. The county will finalize any remaining adjustments during the 2027 budget process.

The Commission did not take additional public comment on the item at the meeting. The resolution passed unanimously and will be reflected in the county’s financial records; Parke and staff will continue implementing the steps described ahead of next year’s budget cycle.