Utah County tentatively adopts 2024 budget plan, to use $14.2 million from fund balance

The Utah County Board of Commissioners tentatively adopted the county's 2024 budget on Oct. 25 after a presentation by Jeremy Walker, the county's director of financial services.

Walker told the commission general fund costs are projected to rise about 6% from 2023 to 2024 and that sales tax growth is forecast at 2.5%, down from historical rates near 5–7%. He said the tentative budget anticipates using about $14,200,000 from fund balance (the county's rainy day fund) and doubles the planned transfer to the health fund from $4,000,000 to $8,400,000. “Sales tax projections are down to 2.5%,” Walker said. He also summarized wage growth at about 8.6% and noted materials and supplies costs increased about 24%.

Walker explained the timing of the grant and revenue receipts had forced backloading of some spending and that the county expects a larger 2025 deficit if revenue trends do not improve: “...we'd anticipate about a $20,000,000 deficit if nothing changes on the revenue side for 2025,” he said. The tentative budget as presented shows roughly a $14,000,000 shortfall for 2024 to be covered by fund balance.

Commissioners discussed the projections and scheduling for commissioner‑staff work sessions to refine department proposals. After questions and discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt the resolution tentatively adopting the 2024 budget; the motion passed 3–0.

The tentative adoption transfers the document from the auditor’s office to the commission for further consideration; final appropriation and amendments will follow the public process and statutory deadlines.