The Davis County Budget Committee convened on October 4, 2024, to discuss several key initiatives and budgetary considerations for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted the introduction of a new "Safe at Home" program aimed at protecting individuals pursuing protective orders or involved in court actions. This initiative, managed by the clerk's office under the Records Protection Act, allows eligible participants to keep their records confidential, ensuring they are not accessible to the general public without authorization.

The committee also addressed staffing concerns within the office, noting a current shortage of one cadastral mapper. The discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to support ongoing operations, with plans to potentially backfill this position in the next budget cycle.

A significant legislative mandate was also discussed regarding the implementation of a property alert system, which is set to be operational by January 1, 2025. This system will notify property owners of any recorded documents against their properties, functioning similarly to credit monitoring services.

The meeting further covered the successful hiring of understudies for key positions, enhancing operational continuity. The office reported being 1% above its projected revenue goal, indicating a positive financial outlook.

Additionally, the committee reviewed a budget request of $39,000 for the preservation of historic plat books, which are crucial to the county's history. These documents, dating back to the county's founding, require restoration to ensure their longevity and accessibility for future generations.

The discussions underscored the committee's commitment to both safeguarding individual privacy through the Safe at Home program and preserving the historical integrity of Davis County's records. The meeting concluded with a focus on strategic planning for staffing and resource allocation in the upcoming budget.