A bill signed into law in Utah aims to increase financial oversight of county offices. SB162 ‘County Governance Amendments’ clarifies multiple aspects of financial oversight including that a county legislative body can have all accounts audited and that requests for financial information are to be addressed within 5 business days. It also states that a county legislative body may hire professional staff to provide assistance and analysis of county financial matters. Uintah County Commissioner Bart Haslem was involved in the creation and lobbying of SB162, along with Utah State Auditor John Dougal, Governor Cox, and the Utah Association of Counties. “After weeks of communication and negotiations with the State Auditor’s Office, the Governor’s Office and state legislators, this bill was drafted and passed by unanimous consent and signed into law in record speed,” shares Haslem. “The Governor’s Office felt it important enough that Governor Cox held a signing ceremony on March 23rd. SB162 will provide a brighter spotlight on all county finances going forward.” Uintah County Chief Deputy Attorney Jon Stearmer was present at the bill signing with Commissioner Haslem and he has since shared that it is his hope that SB162 will improve communication between all concerning county finances including the county Auditor, Commission and Treasurer offices. SB162 can be viewed at le.utah.gov.
