The Utah State Board of Regents won't choose between two Davis County communities for a future educational land bank until next month so that all members can visit the Farmington and Layton locations to avoid any hint of bias.
The regents were prepared to buy property in Layton Tuesday for use as a Weber State University satellite facility that could include other higher education uses.Higher education officials pointedly referred to the property as a "land bank" and made clear they are not promising anyone a college or community college, despite widespread talk to the contrary.
But after accusations by Rep. Marda Dillree, R-Farmington, that the recommendation came from a committee stacked in favor of Layton, the regents postponed voting until their January meeting.
"If you check the addresses, 50 percent of the committee comes from south of Layton. There were no biases in that committee's research and work," said Regent Clifford LeFever. However, he urged the regents to visit both locations, saying that is always a good idea before buying property.
Meanwhile, both Farmington and Layton city officials were heartened by the delay, thinking it might sway things in their favor.