Bill > SB0266

This bill modifies how counties operate under a council-manager form of government, primarily by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the county council and the county manager, and by establishing new requirements for how county council members are elected. Key changes include defining the county council as the legislative body with executive powers, while the county manager serves as the administrative head, with specific limitations on what powers can be delegated to the manager, such as those belonging to an elected county executive or other elected county officers. The bill also introduces new rules regarding county manager employment contracts, prohibiting automatic renewals, terms longer than four years, and certain severance or pay increase provisions. Furthermore, it mandates that county council members must represent specific districts rather than being elected at-large, with detailed procedures for establishing these districts and assigning current council members to them, and outlines consequences for non-compliance, including potential suspension of tax revenue disbursements. The bill also clarifies that an unelected county employee or officer cannot perform the duties of an elected county executive.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0266.html