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Joey Granger for Wasatch County Clerk/Auditor
During my time as the C/A, I have already implemented new processes and procedures to ensure the chain of custody protocols keep ballots secure and are in compliance with State laws. While Utah is primarily a mail in state, voters have the ability to vote in person before the election and on election day. I will continue to share information on the County website, social media and through the local reporting networks to help educate the public.
I have and will continue to have weekly training sessions with staff to update anything that needs to be implemented due to law changes. The website and local reporting will continue to be the avenues I use to inform the public and when absolutely necessary mail notifications as well.
We publish the budget documents on the County website and have started to provide Council with quarterly financial updates in public meetings. The financial information is also available on Transparent Utah and we are happy to provide additional information on request.
The C/A has a statutory duty to notify each property owner of any changes to the tax rates associated within the associated district. Each taxing entity has their own requirements to hold public hearings to educate the public on the budget changes that affect the tax rate. I will put an example on our website to explain what each portion of the notice means and who to contact to get more information.
The role of the C/A is to ensure the procurement procedures, noticing and public hearings for projects are done timely and in accordance with County and State code. When questions and concerns arise from the public, I make sure that they are directed to the appropriate official to address them and give information about how the public can get involved.
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Michelle Kellogg for Clerk-Auditor
Security: I will require that at least two election workers be in the same room while the ballots are being processed. The ballots would be locked in a secure area at all other times. The ballots, envelopes, and signatures will all be counted at various stages in the process and will have to match at each counting.
Transparency: Communication is key to gaining voter confidence. I will communicate progress in cleaning up voter rolls, spread the word on how to register to vote, and promote candidate filing periods.
Accessibility: I would like to add more polling locations around the county so voters can vote or drop off their ballots in their own community.
Turnout: I'll send reminders to voters during elections to return their ballot.
I follow the State Legislature’s session each year and attend workshops afterwards that summarize the election bills that are passed. I will have multiple training sessions for staff and election workers, and we will implement the changes to state law beginning the year the changes are made. I will also communicate to voters all election and voting changes through public notices, the county website, social media, and other ways so mistakes made by voters are mitigated.
Wasatch County has done an excellent job in making the budget accessible to the public. There is a dedicated page on the county website with links to budget priorities, all budget documents, the budget process, and the different funds. There is also a financial dashboard that is updated monthly which shows accrued revenues and expenses as revenue is received and expenses are paid throughout the fiscal year. I will use social media to update the community on the budget process and share a link to the webpage.
The county could add a letter to the property valuation and proposed property tax notice sent to property owners in July that explains the valuation process and factors going into increased or decreased property values. A graph or pie chart showing the breakdown of the property taxes would be a nice visual that would help property owners understand what their taxes are being used for. The letter should also include instructions on how to appeal the valuation and/or apply for property tax relief for those who qualify.
As the auditor, it will be my responsibility to communicate to the County Council the available county funds as well as offer funding options for any capital projects. The decision to move forward on projects lies with them.
