Salt Lake County (Utah). County Commission

Created in 1852 as the Salt Lake County Court, the Salt Lake County Commission was authorized to manage all county business and county property. During the territorial years, 1852-1896, the commission consisted of the probate judge and selectmen. The predominant activities in the early years involve laying out roads and irrigation canals. The commission created election districts and school districts. They appointed county officials, provided for the poor and insane, and located istes and oversaw the erection of public buildings. they levied property taxes, received bids, and paid bills and wages. After 1884 they were responsible for issuing business licenses, including franchises for utilities and transit systems. Provisions were also made that year for them to approve the incorporation of towns. With statehood in 1896 the probate judge was removed; the selectmen remained until commissioners were elected. Their responsibilities overseeing all personnel actions and departmental purchases; and after 1941, providing for the development and zoning of unincorporated areas of the county.