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Zero Tax Increases since 2010
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Happy Thanksgiving from your Washington County Commissioners!

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This year, we’re thankful for our beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and the fact that while other counties hiked taxes by 20-30%, we continued to keep things steady for 16 years in a row. Here’s to keeping Washington County strong – now that’s something to be thankful for!

Important Note: While some entities within Washington County, such as cities and school districts, may have raised their tax rates, leading to higher property taxes, the Washington County Commissioners have kept our rate unchanged.

Great News for Taxpayers. Washington County Commissioners decline to raise taxes for the 16th year in a row.
News, Press Releases, Public Notices

Washington County Will Not Raise Taxes for the 16th Year in a Row

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Washington County residents can add one more thing to their gratitude list this year – The Washington County Commission will continue to keep the tax rate flat, marking the 16th consecutive year of holding the line back on tax hikes.

While similarly sized counties are proposing significant tax increases-for example, Davis County is discussing a property-tax hike of up to 30 % to generate an additional $12.68 million in revenue, (KSL) and Salt Lake County has a mayoral proposal of nearly a 20 % property-tax increase. (KSL) Washington County’s continued tax freeze stands in clear contrast. Nationally, new CoreLogic data shows property tax payments have jumped 27.4% since 2019.

“In households across this county, families are making tough choices to balance their budgets,” said Commissioner Victor Iverson. “We believe the county government should do no less. That’s why we are proud to maintain taxes for the sixteenth year in a row-keeping costs down without sacrificing service.”

“Stretching each dollar is part of our culture here,” added Commissioner Adam Snow. “We plan ahead, pay off debt early, and make strategic investments so that our taxpayers don’t have to absorb new tax burdens while others around us are moving to raise rates.”

“This isn’t about bragging-it’s about stewardship,” said Commissioner Gil Almquist. “Our residents deserve a county government to act like they do -living within our means, prioritizing debt retirement, and protecting opportunity for our children and grandchildren.”

Key Highlights

  • Taxes held flat for 16 years.
  • Washington County continues to prioritize debt reduction, efficient operations, and shifting dollars from interest payments into services.
  • By contrast:
    • Davis County’s proposed tax hike of up to 30% would raise its property-tax revenue from about $42.3 million to around $54.97 million, according to published figures. (KSL)
    • Salt Lake County’s mayor proposes a nearly 20% property-tax increase-19.63%, specifically-to address inflation, rising operational costs and bond/debt service. (KSL)

Why This Matters

With population growth and rising costs of infrastructure, health services, public safety, and technology, many counties are choosing to raise taxes. Washington County’s decision to hold taxes flat for nearly two decades demonstrates commitment to fiscal discipline and respect for taxpayer budgets. By focusing on efficient service delivery, conservative debt practices, and thoughtful long-term planning, the county maintains high performance without passing new burdens onto residents.

Washington County Attorney logo
News, Press Releases, Public Notices, Things To Do

Washington County Announces LaMar J Winward as New Managing Public Defender

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Washington County has appointed LaMar J Winward as its next Managing Public Defender, following the upcoming retirement of longtime Managing Defender Doug Terry at the end of the year. LaMar will work side-by-side with Doug through December to ensure a seamless hand-off of responsibilities.

LaMar brings over 40 years of legal experience and more than 30 years managing public defender contracts across federal, state justice, district, and city courts. His career reflects strong advocacy, clear communication, and a deep commitment to client-centered representation.

In his new leadership role, LaMar will oversee indigent defense services in the District Court, Juvenile Court, and Washington County Justice Court. His responsibilities include coordinating with pretrial services, streamlining processes between defenders and clients, improving access for in-custody communications, ensuring adherence to IDC Core System Principles, monitoring attorney workloads, and maintaining strong professional standards across the system.

“LaMar Winward steps into this role with unmatched experience and a proven record in the courtroom,” said Commissioner Adam Snow. “Doug Terry has set a strong foundation for indigent defense in Washington County, and we’re grateful for his years of service. We’re confident LaMar will continue to elevate the program.”

Commissioner Victor Iverson added, “LaMar brings wisdom, balance, and professionalism to everything he does. His decades of service in this county make him uniquely equipped to lead our public defender system forward. This position is vital for protecting constitutional rights, and LaMar is the right person to carry that responsibility.”

Reflecting on the transition, Commissioner Gil Almquist said, “Doug Terry has served this community with integrity, steadiness, and a deep sense of duty. His commitment has strengthened our justice system and benefited countless individuals who rely on fair representation. As he steps into retirement, we honor his significant contribution and appreciate the legacy he leaves behind.”

About LaMar J Winward

LaMar has practiced law in Washington County for more than four decades, focusing on criminal and family law. His career includes:

  • Managing public defender contracts across multiple jurisdictions
  • Serving as Small Claims Judge Pro Tempore (1999 – present)
  • Leadership roles in professional and community organizations
  • A long-standing commitment to protecting rights and ensuring fair representation

He earned his Juris Doctor from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Utah State University. A resident of Washington County for more than 40 years, LaMar is deeply rooted in the community. He and his wife together have four children and ten grandchildren. Outside the courtroom, he is an avid outdoorsman and a six-time finisher of the St. George Marathon.

Vote by Mail, Register Online by June 19, vote.utah.gov
Elections, News, Press Releases, Public Notices, Things To Do

Election Notice for 2026

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NOTICE OF ELECTION
WASHINGTON COUNTY, UTAH

I, Ryan Sullivan, Washington County Clerk/Auditor, in accordance with Utah Code Annotated § 20A-5-101, hereby give notice for the 2026 Regular General Election to be held in Washington County on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Type of Candidate or Filing Period*Filing Period Information
Qualified Political Party CandidatesFriday, January 2, 2026 at 8:00 am to
Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Local Board of Education CandidatesFriday, January 2, 2026 at 8:00 am to
Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Registered Political Party CandidatesFriday, January 2, 2026 at 8:00 am to
Monday, April 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Justices and Judges of a Court of RecordWednesday, July 1, 2026 at 8:00 am to
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Declaration of Intent to Gather Signatures period for qualified political party candidatesFriday, January 2, 2026 at 8:00 am to
Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Declaration of Candidacy filing period for candidates not affiliated with a political partyFriday, January 2, 2026 at 8:00 am to
Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Qualified political party candidates must submit nomination petition signatures no later than 14 calendar days before the day on which the qualified political party holds its convention to select candidates for the elective office.
Registered political party candidates must submit nomination petition signatures no later than March 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Candidates not affiliated with a political party must submit certificates of nomination no later than Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
*The Washington County Clerk/Auditor office is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday excluding holidays. 
OfficeDistrictTermFiling FeeFiling Location
U.S. House of RepresentativesThird Congressional District2 years$485.00Lt. Governor
UT State SenateDistrict 284 years$117.73Lt. Governor or County Clerk
UT State House of RepresentativesDistricts 72, 73, 74, and 752 years$83.86Lt. Governor or County Clerk
UT Supreme CourtState of UtahRetention$50.00Lt. Governor or County Clerk
UT Court of AppealsState of UtahRetention$50.00Lt. Governor or County Clerk
Fifth District CourtFifth DistrictRetention$50.00Lt. Governor or County Clerk
Justice CourtWashington County AreaRetention$25.00Lt. Governor or County Clerk
Local School BoardDistricts 4, 5, 6, and 74 years$50.00County Clerk
County Commission “Seat A”Washington County4 years$740.04County Clerk
County Commission “Seat B”Washington County4 years$740.04County Clerk
County AttorneyWashington County4 years$1,047.46County Clerk
County Clerk/AuditorWashington County4 years$843.52County Clerk
County SheriffWashington County4 years$875.03County Clerk
Vote by Mail, Register Online by June 19, vote.utah.gov
Elections, News, Press Releases, Public Notices, Things To Do

Election Results – November, 2025

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Click here to view current results

General Election Results are scheduled to begin posting online on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after the polls close.

  • Town of Apple Valley Mayor
  • Town of Apple Valley Council
  • Town of Apple Valley Council Special 2 Yr Seat
  • City of Enterprise Mayor
  • City of Enterprise Council
  • City of Hildale Mayor
  • City of Hildale Council
  • Hurricane City Mayor
  • Hurricane City Council
  • Ivins City Mayor
  • Ivins City Council
  • La Verkin City Mayor
  • La Verkin City Council
  • Town of Leeds Mayor
  • Town of Leeds Council
  • Town of Leeds Council Special 2 Yr Seat
  • Town of Rockville Mayor
  • Town of Rockville Council
  • Santa Clara City Mayor
  • Santa Clara City Council
  • Town of Springdale Mayor
  • Town of Springdale Council
  • St George Mayor
  • St George City Council
  • Toquerville City Mayor
  • Toquerville City Council
  • Toquerville City Council Special 2 Yr Seat
  • Virgin Town Mayor
  • Virgin Town Council
  • Virgin Town Council Special 2 Yr Seat
  • Washington City Mayor
  • Washington City Council
  • Dixie Deer Special Service District
  • New Harmony Valley Special Service District

Click here to view current results

Vote by Mail, Register Online by June 19, vote.utah.gov
Elections, Meetings, News, Press Releases, Public Notices, Things To Do

UPDATED 3 Schedule for Public Hearing on Proposed Initiative Repeal of Independent Redistricting Commission

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Members of the public are invited to attend a public hearing on the Proposed Initiative Repeal of Independent Redistricting Commission and Standards Act. Hearings will take place for at least one hour and will include one hour of public comment.

Southwest Region
Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Iron County Commission Chambers
68 South 100 East
Parowan, UT

Bear River Region
Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Box Elder County Commission Chambers
01 South Main Street
Brigham City, Utah 84302

Wasatch Front Region
Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Kaysville City Hall
23 East Center Street
Kaysville, UT 84037

Uintah Basin Region
Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Uintah Conference Center, Split Mountain #3
313 East 200 South
Vernal, UT 84078

Central Region
Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Juab County Commission Chambers
160 North Main Street
Nephi, UT 84648

Southeast Region
Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Emery County Administration Building
75 East Main Street
Castle Dale, Utah 84513

Mountain Region
Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Alpine City Hall
20 North Main Street
Alpine, UT 84004

A notice of these hearings was provided to the Utah Elections Office, each member of the Utah Legislature, each County Commissioner/Council Member and the required County Clerks by email prior to 5pm on Friday, October 31.

Sincerely,

Rob Axson
Brad Bonham
Carolyn Phippen
Bill Hoster
Carolina Herrin
Derek Brown
Mike Lee
Rob Bishop
Cody Stewart
Cristy Henshaw
Tammy Pearson

Vote by Mail, Register Online by June 19, vote.utah.gov
Elections, Meetings, News, Press Releases, Public Notices, Things To Do

UPDATED 2 Schedule for Public Hearing on Proposed Initiative Repeal of Independent Redistricting Commission

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Members of the public are invited to attend a public hearing on the Proposed Initiative Repeal of Independent Redistricting Commission and Standards Act. Hearings will take place for at least one hour and will include one hour of public comment.

Southwest Region*
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Hurricane Branch Library
36 South 300 West
Hurricane, UT 84737

*This meeting was relocated from Toquerville City Hall to the Hurricane Branch Library at the request of the Toquerville City Recorder on Wednesday, October 29.

Bear River Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Logan Library, Community Room B
285 North Main Street
Logan, UT 84321

Wasatch Front Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Ogden Valley Library Auditorium
131 South 7400 East
Huntsville, UT 84317

Uintah Basin Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Duchesne County Library, Duchesne Branch, Community Room
130 South Center Street
Duchesne, UT 84021

Central Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Sunset View Golf Course
1800 North Hwy 6
Delta, UT 84624

Southeast Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Jennifer Leavitt Student Center, Multipurpose Room
451 East 400 North
Price UT 84501

Mountain Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Spanish Fork Library, Heritage Room
80 South Main Street
Spanish Fork, UT 84660

A notice of these hearings was provided to the Utah Elections Office, each member of the Utah Legislature, each County Commissioner/Council Member and the required County Clerks by email prior to 5pm on Friday, October 24.

Sincerely,

Rob Axson
Brad Bonham
Carolyn Phippen
Bill Hoster
Carolina Herrin
Derek Brown
Mike Lee
Rob Bishop
Cody Stewart
Cristy Henshaw
Tammy Pearson

Washington County of Utah
Meetings, News, Press Releases, Public Notices, Things To Do

Notice of Vacancies Dixie Deer, Dammeron Valley, Diamond Valley, Gunlock, Northwestern and Piney Valley Special Service District Administrative Control Board October 2025

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NOTICE OF VACANCY

NOTICE is hereby given that there are vacancies for the following:

The vacancies will be filled through appointment by the Washington County Commission.

To qualify for appointment to that Board, an individual must meet the following qualifications:

  1. Be a U.S. Citizen;
  2. Be a registered voter residing in the boundary of said Special Service District or Advisory Board.

Those wishing to serve on the Service District Administrative Control Board or Advisory Board should submit a completed form (see above links) to the Washington County Commission on or before Friday, November 28, 2025, via email or hand deliver to Sarah Lloyd at the Washington County Commission Office, 111 East Tabernacle, St. George, Utah 84770, (435) 301-7000, sarah.lloyd@washco.utah.gov.

Vote by Mail, Register Online by June 19, vote.utah.gov
Elections, Meetings, News, Press Releases, Public Notices, Things To Do

UPDATED Schedule for Public Hearing on Proposed Initiative Repeal of Independent Redistricting Commission

Link

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Members of the public are invited to attend a public hearing on the Proposed Initiative Repeal of Independent Redistricting Commission. Hearings will take place for at least one hour and will include one hour of public comment.

Southwest Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Toquerville Town Hall
212 Toquerville Blvd
Toquerville, UT 84774

Bear River Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Logan Library, Community Room B
285 North Main Street
Logan, UT 84321

Wasatch Front Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Ogden Valley Library Auditorium
131 South 7400 East
Huntsville, UT 84317

Uintah Basin Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Duchesne County Library, Duchesne Branch, Community Room
130 South Center Street
Duchesne, UT 84021

Central Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Sunset View Golf Course
1800 North Hwy 6
Delta, UT 84624

Southeast Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Jennifer Leavitt Student Center, Multipurpose Room
451 East 400 North
Price UT 84501

Mountain Region
Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Spanish Fork Library, Heritage Room
80 South Main Street
Spanish Fork, UT 84660

A notice of these hearings was provided to the Utah Elections Office, each member of the Utah Legislature, each County Commissioner/Council Member and the required County Clerks by email prior to 5pm on Friday, October 24.

Sincerely,

Rob Axson
Brad Bonham
Carolyn Phippen
Bill Hoster
Carolina Herrin
Derek Brown
Mike Lee
Rob Bishop
Cody Stewart
Cristy Henshaw
Tammy Pearson