Utah Code Title 17. Counties § 17-36-20. Purchases or encumbrances by purchasing agent

(1) A person may not make a purchase or incur an encumbrance on behalf of a county unless that person acts in accordance with an order by, or approval of, the person duly authorized to act as purchasing agent for the county, except encumbrances or expenditures directly investigated and specifically approved by the executive or legislative body.

(2) Unless otherwise provided by the governing body, the finance officer or the finance officer's agents shall serve as a purchasing agent.