The Carbon County Commissioners held a public hearing to receive comment regarding the Amended 2017 Budget, the proposed 2018 budget, lastly, the Proposed Tax increase. Elected officials, employees and tax payers were in attendance on Wednesday evening for the hearings held inside the Carbon County Administration Building.

First thing mentioned was the findings and recommendations that were made from the three-day visit by the state auditor’s office. “There are some great opportunities, as far as, accounting and how we go about doing our budgeting,” said Commissioner, Jae Potter. “Those recommendations we’ll be the things that we continue to work on.” The county provided hard copies for the public to see the results.

This was followed by a presentation of what changes will be made for the 2018 budget. A consolidation of departments will be made, as well as, departmental budgets will be reviewed and reduced. A reduction in county services will be made from the 13 position that will be eliminated. All employees will be required to begin paying a portion of their premium. Further information was shared about the roads in Carbon County, plus further clarification on retirement. Elected officials hope that the information shared will help citizens to better understand the county. The employees will see the changes effective January 1, 2018.

A explanation of the county’s assessor’s office, clarification of county roads was also included in the presentation.

A motion to open the proposed tax increase hearing was made and closed almost immediately. This was due to the announcement made on December 1 of the commissioner’s decision to not impose a tax increase in the 2018 budget. The amendments made to the 2017 budget were easily addressed and approved.

The final hearing had to do with the proposed 2018 budget. Five citizens made comment from thanking commissioners for addressing the public’s concerns, to suggesting that commissioners consider taking a cut in their own salaries and suggesting that an advisory committee be formed with citizens to be able to work with the commissioners.

The final approval of the 2018 budget will be made on December 20.