Monday’s public hearing regarding the 2017 Certified Tax Rate for Uintah County offered several perspectives. While majority of the community input received was critical of the county budget, there were also comments from a county perspective. Uintah County Emergency Manager Tal Ehlers explained that he understood the business owners’ point of view as one who has owned a business for 20 years but he emphasized that as a Director of a county department he is certainly not “living large” as had been suggested. In fact, when all county departments were asked last year to decrease budgets, the Emergency Management budget was cut by 20 percent. “I spend money for the county like I spend money out of my home budget,” shared Ehlers, who described his efforts to use county resources not only carefully but always seeking the most affordable options. “Please don’t presume as county employees that we are out there blowing your taxpayer money,” emphasized Ehlers. “I am a taxpayer and I have been and am a business owner and understand the fears. I am not saying adjustments can’t be made…but please don’t presume that as county employees we are out blowing your money. We try to provide good services and in the middle of the night when you call…we get up…and we come out because that is our job and we know that is what you expect.” Ehlers comment was followed by Tiffany Dofelmire who stated that while she has a problem with the county budget and urges the county to find ways to make cuts, she felt someone unassociated with the county should speak on behalf of the employees. “As businesses and citizens I recognize we want government to do better and be fiscally responsible but government is controlled by a completely different set of rules than a business,” shared Dofelmire, speaking of lowering salaries. “…They have to work within the constraints of the law that is there.” The Commission is holding a special meeting Wednesday, June 21st, at 11:00am to adopt a 2017 Certified Tax Rate.
