County approves midyear budget amendment to free emergency mitigation funds and boost motor pool, sheriff safety spending

The Utah County Board of Commissioners approved a midyear amendment to the 2023 county budget that reallocates reserves to meet emergency needs and to provide flexibility for anticipated expenses.

Budget manager Rudy Livingston (S3) explained that the adjustment moves $2 million into the county’s risk‑mitigation fund to cover emergency mitigation related to flood response and that doing so now avoids the need to declare a state of emergency to access those resources later. Commissioners also approved augmenting the motor pool reserve by $250,000 to cover rising vehicle costs and authorized $10,000 for a sheriff’s department panic/notification system, both included as amendments before the vote.

The public‑defender association’s request for a contract adjustment was discussed in the meeting’s presentation; Livingston and presenters said the public‑defender adjustment was warranted given the caseload increase. The commission also earmarked $107,200 in restricted personnel funds for a potential "account administrator/county minister" position but indicated that hiring would be contingent on a staffing plan and further decisions on job description and scope.

Commissioner S7 moved to approve the amendment with the motor pool and sheriff‑safety additions; Commissioner S2 seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote (3–0).

County leaders said some details—such as overtime and flood‑related expenses—may be revisited in July when more revenue data is available and additional adjustments can be prepared as needed.