Linda Hamilton initially was hired by Mayor Peter Corroon to tighten fiscal controls in county budgets. She says she will apply that same discipline in public works.

"We'll continue to put an emphasis on ethical and transparent government," Hamilton said Thursday.

Among priorities, Hamilton notes her department will be a steward in protecting the Jordan River and concentrate on master-planning the southwestern county.

Hamilton will oversee planning and development services, operations, engineering, flood control, sanitation and solid-waste management. She will continue to serve chief financial officer duties until a replacement is named.

Before joining Salt Lake County, Hamilton spent six years as South Ogden's city manager and also was director of Salt Lake City's finance department.

- Derek P. Jensen