The Wasatch County Council has finalized and adopted the budget for 2026, totaling $129 million. Assistant County Manager Heber Lefgren outlined four significant changes to the budget during the council meeting on Wednesday. One of the notable adjustments includes the removal of costs and revenues related to a full-time patrol deputy position, which is part of Sheriff Jared Rigby’s request for $2.2 million aimed at enhancing public safety initiatives. Despite this removal, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to receive more than 30% of the general fund, making it the department with the highest funding allocation in the general fund after public works. Sheriff Rigby had proposed the addition of eight full-time positions and one part-time role; however, the County Council decided that not all of these positions were essential. In addition to the full-time patrol deputy, the council also eliminated a part-time emergency coordinator position from the budget, which was to be funded by a transfer from the county's restaurant tax. Lefgren mentioned that the budgetary adjustments involved removing both the expense and the corresponding revenue, with $36,000 from the restaurant tax fund now being redirected into the fund balance. Another change includes an increase in the transfer from the general fund to the capital improvement fund by $169,000. This decision comes as expenditures related to public safety initiatives are reduced, allowing for these funds to be allocated to a future, yet-to-be-determined public safety project. Additionally, the county expects an increase of $107,000 in planned revenue from the transient room tax, which will be transferred to the parks and recreation department. This measure aims to prevent the need for any Truth in Taxation measures in 2026. The Wasatch County budget has seen a significant increase, rising by 35% from 2024 to 2025. This year will mark the completion of the Wasatch County Justice Center expansion project, alongside ongoing projects such as the new administration building and jailhouse renovations.