FARMINGTON -- County officials estimate that about a dozen Sheriff's Office employees could take retirement soon. As Davis County's largest department, there are a "couple of dozen" employees there that are eligible, and "a dozen may do so," said County Clerk/Auditor Steve Rawlings.

"These are only individuals that have a full 20 years of employment, are eligible for retirement" as law enforcement officers, he explained.

A "public safety retirement incentive program" is part of the items which make up highlights of the county's 2005 budget, available for the public from the County/Clerk's office in the Memorial Courthouse, 28 S. State, Farmington.

As a part of the budget, it's anticipated $13 million of the $24.8 million voter-approved jail bond will be appropriated toward construction.

The remainder, if needed, would be used to complete the project, which may be toward the end of 2006 or in early 2007, Rawlings said.

Because of a "rollover" in bond funding for the jail, with the current bond due to be paid off as the new one kicks in for the new construction, there won't be any tax increase from that source.

However, after the jail is completed, which Rawlings said is hoped for early 2007, a tax increase will be needed, possibly to generate $5.5 million in revenue. That would cover maintenance and operation, including additional staff, for the new 192-bed facility.

"Some of that (funding) will come out of the renting of beds, we're hopeful of that," Rawlings continued. "If we can rent beds out to the federal government, that gives us the highest rate, of $50 a day," he said.

To operate and staff the new jail, a property tax increase of $35 a year for the owner of a $180,000 home is projected.

The county's overall property tax revenues should increase by "just under 3 percent," he said.

In addition, a "conservative estimate" of about 5 percent is anticipated in tourism revenue, largely because of growth in the Layton area, he said.

While that tax doesn't come out of locals' pockets, for the most part, it will mean more money for such county-operated facilities as the Conference & Visitors Bureau and operation of the Conference Center as well as tourism-related publicity and other activities.

Other highlights of the budget include: set up of a paramedic fund, including $500,000 each and two ambulances/

staffing each for Layton and South Davis Metro Fire District, and four ambulances/

staffing for the Sheriff's Office, at $1 million.

A county employee "wellness program" will also be implemented, "to try and help employees enjoy healthier lives, also involving an annual review of each individual's health patterns and what programs they're involved into see if their health is improved," Rawlings explained.

There will be employee incentives for participants, he continued.

Also, three replacement positions will be filled, one each for the recorder's office, surveyor and attorney. These positions were not filled two years ago when cutbacks were necessary, Rawlings said.

A 2 percent raise is included for employees, along with several positions for animal control, aging services, both full and part-time.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com