Davis passes 2008 budget

FARMINGTON — The Davis County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed the county's 2008 budget Tuesday.

Davis County's total expenditures in 2008 are expected to be $94.8 million, including $3.5 million carried over from 2007.

More than half of the remaining $91.3 million is used for payroll of the county's 900 employees.

Commissioners approved the hiring of 12 full-time employee equivalents, including part-time workers in the assessor's office to prevent a repeat of the property valuation debacle that hit residents in Bountiful, North Salt Lake, Kaysville and Farmington.

More than 2,600 residents appealed their property values during 2007.

Some areas of Bountiful hadn't been reappraised in a decade, and Assessor James Ivie aims to appraise the entire county in 2008, an effort that should eliminate a spike in property taxes just because values rise.

The budget includes a 3 percent cost of living adjustment for county employees and a 4.75 increase in health insurance.

County officials also built in to the budget the possibility of having $6.68 million left over in the general fund at the end of 2008.

More money left over means the county could be eligible for better interest rates if bonding becomes necessary, said Davis County Clerk/Auditor Steve Rawlings. By 2010, Davis County should have 15 percent of its budget, or $10 million, left over.

"By setting aside now, we could save more in the future," said Commissioner Bret Millburn.

Commissioners also agreed to reinstate the Tourism, Recreation, Cultural and Convention Tax for 2008.

The tax, collected on car rentals and at restaurants, has to be reinstated every year and is expected to bring in $3.4 million to be used to promote tourism in Davis County and community and economic development.

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E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com