Steffani Ebert of the county clerk/auditor’s office noted that the county received $3.8 million in state grant funding for renovation of the Weber County Ice Sheet, in addition to ongoing health department and jail grants, resulting in changes to revenues and related expenditures. Additionally, an adjustment of $2 million was made as the result of a countywide compensation study. Conducted by Baker Tilly, the study aimed in part to address public safety concerns and staffing shortages at the Weber County Sheriff’s Office.

Ebert noted that a truck driver position was also added at the Weber County Transfer Station. Additional amendments were made to reconcile repairs, equipment costs and rollovers from projects that were not completed in 2024.

Regarding executive compensation, adjustments were made for certain chief deputies impacted by the results of the salary study, as well as division directors who operate take-home vehicles.

Commissioner Gage Froerer said that budget adjustments occur each year, adding that it’s in the public’s best interest to allow certain county officials to have access to their vehicles so they can provide services to residents.

“I just want to be clear that these compensation increases offset the ability that we allow these division directors to take automobiles or trucks home with them because they have duties that require them, sometimes, to leave early in the morning or late at night,” Froerer said. “It’s in the public’s best interest that these division directors have their vehicles ready for service.”

He referred to the compensation adjustment as a “passthrough” to allow the directors to have access to their vehicles without having additional tax considerations.

“Let’s just be clear, it’s just a trade off making sure that they’re reimbursed for any potential federal taxes.”

Regarding compensation for public safety officers, Commissioner Jim Harvey noted that the county had a desire to “get this right, right off the bat,” and that the commission would follow Tilly’s recommendations. The compensation study report is expected to be made publicly available in the coming days.

Also occurring during Tuesday’s meeting was the presentation of the 2025 Winning In Weber Awards.

The Rising Star Award, recognizing the talents and efforts of the county’s future leaders, was given to Lauren Thomas of the county attorney’s office. Candida Prieto of the county library system received the Service Star Award, recognizing the effort to consistently create an exemplary customer service experience. The Leadership Award, recognizing an employee with a track record as a leader and role model, was given to Ogden Eccles Conference Center GM Kassi Bybee. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Cameron Young received the Above and Beyond Award, which honors an individual with outstanding achievement in the workplace.

Finally, the county’s public relations manager, Jessika Clark, received the Learning Is Power Award, recognizing the employee who is the most avid learner in the effort to serve the county and its residents.