ST. GEORGE — Davis County Clerk/Auditor Steve Rawlings already knew he had been selected by his peers as Auditor of the Year.

It was part of the multi-day Utah Association of Counties meetings, here, late last week.

But Rawlings was in for a bit more of a surprise when he was selected, by all attending the sessions, as Elected Official of the Year.

“Through the years, I’ve come to appreciate his expertise and I can see that many others in the state feel the same,” said County Commission Chair Louenda Downs.

“I’ve noted how often new clerks and auditors turn to him because of his many years of experience and wisdom in that field. He understands the statutes, and he understands the issues and problems that you can encounter,” she said.

“He understands the election process, has surrounded himself with an incredible staff,” Downs said.

“He has been a mentor to many as well as a friend.

“The county is in a great financial position, even in these hard economic times,” largely due to his leadership in that arena, she said. “Steve has been a great watchdog with his responsibility as the budget officer.”

“I am very honored and humbled to receive these statewide awards,” Rawlings said. “I believe they represent the quality of work that elected officials, department heads and employees of Davis County exemplify.

“My own staff of highly competent individuals does such a great job and I realize that without them there would be no awards.”

Now into his fourth term (and he has said last), the Davis County Auditor is very involved in office-related state and county government activities.

At the governor’s request, he has served for several years on the Private Activity Bond Review Board, has served as president of the Utah Counties Clerk/Auditors Association, as well as other key positions in that body.

For Davis County, Rawlings is the budget officer and purchasing agent, chief financial and election officer, is a trustee of the States Insurance Board and chair of its finance committee, and chair of the county budget committee.

He also is a board member of the Davis County Convention and Visitor Bureau, South Davis Recreation Board, State Tax Commission Property Tax Review Advisory Board, Davis Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee, as well as a board member of the agency that determines Community Development Areas.

During his dozen-plus years in office, Rawlings directed the county through the process to gain AAA bond rating status, helped establish the county’s tax administration department, and cross-trained employees to work in both the clerk and auditor’s offices.

Rawlings has served in many community capacities, including current membership on the board of the Bountiful Breakfast Exchange Club Prevention of Child Abuse effort.

The Preston, Idaho native graduated from Utah State University with a degree in accounting and has completed many continuing education courses.

He is former controller of North America for a large Fortune 500 farm equipment manufacturer.

He and his wife Jenell live in North Salt Lake and are the parents of three sons and 10 grandchildren.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com