FARMINGTON -- Davis County officials are making information available on their Web page giving rationale behind the need for a potential tax increase. The information is available on the county's Web site, www.co.davis.ut.us. Information is included on flood control, operation of the expanded jail and for senior citizens. Two open houses for the public to discuss the issue are planned in late October, with information on them included on the site. Flood control and senior citizen needs are being looked at as part of a possible $15-a-year tax increase for the owner of an "average" home valued at $171,000.

It's projected a total of $2.6 million would be raised through a 5.2 percent property tax hike.

The jail, which should be completed by late this year and open early next year, will require a $35-a-year property tax in-crease. That will go toward maintenance and operations, including hiring of additional personnel.

The jail tax increase has been planned for a couple of years, when voters approved bonding for the new facility.

A potential tax increase to fund flood control facility repair and expansion, as well as for senior citizen program needs, was first mentioned as a possibility a couple of months ago.

"We want people to see what we're looking at, to be able to do the comparisons, ask questions, make comments and suggestions, and be involved," said County Commissioner Alan Hansen.

"This is to give the public a chance to see the proposal before we get to that final time and say we're going to potentially consider approving it," he said.

"This is a proposal. That's all it is," Hansen emphasized. "It's based on the Clerk/Auditor's numbers. He (Steve Rawlings) is the chief financial officer for the county, makes those recommendations.

"We need to decide if this is something we can really do and maintain a lean, mean operation," he added.

In studying the extent of erosion to the county's flood control system, much of it installed after the 1983 floods, it's estimated by county officials that more than half of the flood channels need to be repaired now, the site notes.

"Much of Davis County's services for senior citizens come from helpful volunteers," it's noted on the site. "But an expanding population also needs additional funds for senior-oriented services."

As far as jail operations, it's noted that "cost savings have been implemented," such as in hiring of personnel, where possible.

Open houses are planned for Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Centerville Branch Library, 5-8:45 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Central (Layton) Branch Library, 5-9 p.m.

The idea of a possible 5.2 percent tax increase was first raised by Rawlings and discussed by commissioners in a meeting in early July.

"Even if the proposed increase goes into effect, Davis County's tax rate will be considerably lower than our neighboring counties" of Salt Lake and Weber, Rawlings said. "If we do not address problems today, the price we pay down the road is going to be a lot higher."

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com