Carbon County has aimed a lot of focus toward the proposed tax increase for 2018 that was presented to the Carbon County Commissioners by county clerk/auditor, Seth Oveson in November. County Commissioners then hosted a number of public hearings, meetings and open houses to ensure that the community was fully informed on the issue and its voices could be heard.
At the Dec.13 County Commission Meeting, three public hearings were scheduled, geared toward the amended 2017 budget, the 2018 proposed budget and the proposed tax increase for County Assessing and Collecting and the Municipal Service Funds, respectively. However, the public hearing for the tax increase was closed as soon as it was opened.
The reason for this was due to the commissioners collectively deciding to decline the proposal earlier in the meeting. With this motion having been made, the need for a public hearing regarding it became void. However, the other two public hearings did take place.
Before the community had the opportunity to have their opinions voiced, the commissioners took some time to show a presentation to the crowd that gave a background for the budget information. This presentation was also handed out in hard copy to those that wished to obtain one.
It showed the benefit package for all full time employees, including elected officials, that will become effective in January 2018. It also showed what the elected officials are paid and how that pay looks compared to other Utah counties.
After the presentation, the first public hearing that took place was in regard to the 2017 adjusted budget. The adjustments are being made in compliance with the state and the auditing process. These adjustments were discussed at the public meeting that took place on Dec. 1. A singular citizen approached the pulpit to thank the commissioners before the adjusted budget was approved.
Next, the 2018 budget public hearing was opened. A handful of residents spoke to the commissioners on this. One thanked the commissioners for answering questions the community asked while another urged the commissioners to ensure that the consolidations and cuts are not “throwing the baby out with the bath water”. He stated that there are many good things happening in the community and would not like to see that be discouraged.
Another citizen asked the commissioners if they had ever been let go of a position, stating that they went about cutting employees the wrong way. A final citizen recommended that the commissioners adopt all the recommendations that were presented to them by the state auditor.
After listening to the public comments, the 2018 budget was approved by the commissioners.
