After public hearing, commissioners adopt first-quarter budget amendment and approve six deputy positions

The Weber County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing April 21 and adopted Resolution 17-2026, a first-quarter amendment to the county's 2026 operating and capital budget.

Stephanie Ziebert presented the changes and said the county received a $25,850 state grant to purchase elections equipment (a ballot scanner) and a $50,000 contribution (recorded in the transcript as from "Bridal") to add to the budget. She also outlined several required adjustments and carryovers: training and travel corrections for the health department, an overage for a jail boiler, costs to complete the "UtahBA dam" project, and carryovers for projects approved in 2025 that will be completed in 2026.

Ziebert also reported a proposal from the sheriff's office to add six deputy positions, with the increased costs to be offset by higher contract payments from contract cities beginning in fiscal year 2027.

Commissioner Sharon Ballos reviewed prior discussions: the sheriff originally requested 10 additional patrol positions for contract cities in the fall; commissioners had agreed in principle to support 10 but asked the sheriff to wait until staffing levels improved. Ballos said the sheriff reached near-full staffing sooner than expected and that the department's internal audit suggested shifting funding; the sheriff ultimately requested six positions at this time.

"Supporting the 10 additional positions is something that we stood by," Ballos said, noting commissioners would support adding four more later if the contract cities agree to fund them. Commissioner Jim Harvey said he appreciated the sheriff's willingness to provide the data commissioners requested and that the county will review staffing and cost allocation over several six-month intervals.

Jim Harvey moved to approve Resolution 17-2026 amending the operating and capital budget as presented; Sharon Ballos seconded. A roll-call vote passed the resolution.

Why it matters: The amendment adds dedicated grant funds for election equipment and funds to finish ongoing projects; it also commits to adding deputy capacity for contract-city policing while flagging a process for data-driven allocation of costs between the general fund and contract cities.

What happens next: Commissioners asked staff to collect and review staffing and cost data (six-month intervals, then again) to determine whether to add the remaining four deputy positions and to ensure fair cost-sharing with contract cities.