As a result, counties are often forced into overmatching state funds for these critical programs. The demand for services is directly related to population growth. The cost of providing services is increasing faster than population growth. Certain segments of the population requiring services, i.e. elderly and indigent, are increasing faster than the general population. The population growth rate for the State of Utah has been and is projected to be higher than the national average.
Continued urbanization intensifies the demand for services.
Delivering health and human services in rural areas requires varied, different and sometimes more expensive approaches. In calculating the amount of compensation to be included in the budget, it has been agreed that the amount would not only include proposed changes in employee compensation, but would also take into account benefit changes such as health insurance and retirement. All of these changes, taken together would determine the percentage that is budgeted for local programs.