$1.50 June 21, 2024 | Vol. 3 Iss. 21
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Chalk Art Festival colors Main Street
Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show
page 5
Free event returns to Hill Air Force Base
NSL prepping fireworks
Page 9
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Possible tax increase would fund operational needs at new Animal Care facility By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com
HOW ABOUT A BELLY RUB?
FARMINGTON—The Davis County Commission is considering a possible tax increase to cover operations at a new Animal Care facility that will replace the current building that is almost 40 years old and bursting at the seams. A tax increase would amount to approximately $11 a year on an average priced home. “The last time a tax increase was approved for county government was in 2016,” said Commissioner Lorene Kamalu. “Because of wise financial management by Auditor Curtis Koch and his team’s work over the years there is enough in the capital budget to build the new building. The tax increase is only for the amount of money for operations that is absolutely needed.” Animal services are required by state law, said Kamalu. “It’s a public health and safety service to prevent animals from being all over and spreading disease or causing accidents.” Across the state, usually a city figures out animal services, she said. “Animal services have historically been done by Davis County. We have 15 cities. It doesn’t make sense for the cities to figure out services on their own. It’s more efficient to have the county do it.” There has been tremendous growth in the human population – more than twice the population in 1985 (when the building was built) and the animal population is so much bigger, said Kamalu. “Nationally there has been a huge increase in the population of animals since the pandemic. A lot of people got animals.” THIS LITTLE KITTY has found a friend. The current Animal Care facility is overflowing.
ANIMAL CARE took in more than 1,800 dogs in 2022. As of May the number is 556.
Photos courtesy of Animal Care Davis County
Animal Care stepped up their game for this animal tsunami using the amount of money for operations they’ve used for years and years, she said. “Some of the staff are in closets, they’re doubling up dogs. It’s unhealthy for the animals.” They work so hard at having the best operations without money, Kamalu said. “They’ve had to be innovative to figure it out. It’s hard to see the animals need a better space and they don’t have it – they just don’t.” One of the great things to keep costs down is the volunteers, she said. “They’re absolutely remarkable. There’s nearly 1,000 volunteers. Animal Care is the only one to receive the gold level of volunteerism award from UServeUtah.” Volunteers come up and get the animals outside, said Kamalu. “It helps with their mental health and makes them feel loved. Some take them on trail runs. We’re so thankful, that’s what allows us Please see FACILITY: pg. 3
Davis County Sheriff’s Office breaks ground on new Emergency Operations Center By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com FARMINGTON—There was a lot of excitement on Tuesday when dirt was turned on the future Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on the Davis County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) campus in Farmington. The 17,300 square foot facility will provide coordinated disaster response and recovery in a large-scale emergency event for all 15 cities in the county and to regional partners. It is anticipated to be completed in 2025. “We are so happy to have this day come to fruition and be able to get started on this great construction project for our county,” said Davis County Sheriff Kelly Sparks. “We have a population that is very self-sufficient and resilient. At the DCSO our mission really is to serve that community and be actively engaged in improving the
quality of lives for everyone in Davis County.” Sparks said Davis County is probably one of the only counties of its size in the whole state of Utah that doesn’t already have an EOC. “This is something that has been a long time coming and has been needed for a long time.” “So we are starting construction on the new EOC here in Davis County by turning dirt with shovels, but here in Davis County, we’re also breaking ground on a new chapter for emergency management,” said Davis County Emergency Manager, Ember Herrick. “Davis County emerPlease see EOC: pg. 2
COUNTY OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS of the construction and design team break ground on the site of the future Emergency Operations Center.
Photo by Becky Ginos
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