FARMINGTON -- Davis County and the state have some rough times ahead, and Davis County legislators will be on the forefront of drafting legislation to get the state through the challenges. Davis lawmakers met with members of the Council of Governments last week to discuss legislation they've sponsored and to share concerns. COG members also thanked legislators, especially retiring legislators Rep. Stuart Adams and Rep. Ann Hardy, for their hard work. Rep. Sheldon Killpack (R-21) told Davis County mayors that transportation remains one of the state's major issues because there is a shortfall in transportation funding. "Funding doesn't drop like manna from heaven. It requires us to act," he told those gathered at the monthly COG meeting.

"No one is excited about a tax increase," Killpack said, but the fact is, we have a crisis on our hands." One of the solutions may be toll roads.

He also warned that if Medicaid continues at its current rate, "It will consume the state budget."

Killpack also said the county still must work to ensure Hill Air Force Base remains viable. "As we come out of the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process, we need to look ahead," Killpack said. "It would be marvelous if we knew for sure that Hill was on line to get the strike fighter."

Killpack said COG needs to help with the development of depot work and the development of new business within the private sector.

Sen. Dave Thomas (R-18) said needed funding for correctional institutions is spiraling upwards, straining state and county budgets. "The problem we have is adequate facilities," Thomas said, with state prisoners often sent to county facilities such as the Davis County Jail. However, the state pays only 70 percent of what it takes to house prisoners, Thomas said.

He said one of the solutions may be to stop booking those arrested on misdemeanor charges.

Sen. Greg Bell (R-22) said the legislature will have to take on child support payments and visitation issues for non-custodial parents. "In terms of social welfare costs, this is about as important an issue as can be."

And Julie Fisher (R17) said among the key issues remaining in education is reducing class size.

For Rep. Roger Barrus (R-18) water and energy loom high on the list of important issues legislators must take on. "Water issues are the life blood of the state," he said.

Retiring Representative Stuart Adams, (R-16) told the mayors that it had been a pleasure to serve in the legislature.

He said that now that Legacy is a go, the next major transportation issue will be a study of interchanges.

He said that while motorists are spending more on gas, the tax dollars netted by the state are less than they were 10-15 years ago, because today's cars are more efficient, meaning there hasn't been a real increase in tax dollars going to the state since 1998

Adams, among the major proponent of the Legacy Parkway, told COG members that it had been a pleasure to serve the county.

And retiring Rep. Ann Hardy, (R-20) praised fellow legislators and local officials, calling them "dedicated, hard working people." She said that those serving in local government hold a special place in her heart. "I will remember our association.

Several other legislators weren't in attendance, as they were in committee meetings.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com