Payson Fire Department retains ISO Class 3 rating; chief outlines areas for improvement
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Summary
Chief Staub reported the Payson Fire Department’s Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating remained Class 3; the chief highlighted strengths in community risk reduction and water points and noted areas for improvement including ladder availability and documentation.
The Payson Fire Department retained an ISO Class 3 rating in the three‑year regrade announced to the Payson Common Council on Oct. 8, 2025, Chief Staub reported, a score the department has held for the last decade.
Chief Staub explained ISO evaluates community risk reduction, water supply, engine companies and emergency communications; Payson’s scores exceeded peer averages in several categories, including community risk reduction and water points. "We came out with a 3 again. So we've been 3 the last 10 years," he said.
The chief identified improvement opportunities that could raise the rating further: ladder availability (Payson lacks a reserve ladder company), some dispatch and telecom circuit capabilities, documentation and certain training records. He noted the council has committed to acquiring a ladder truck, and acquiring a ladder would improve the deployment score. "One benefit to this is that we have two people that we are allowed to hire and fire. One is a town manager. One is the town attorney," he said in discussion about organizational control, noting budget constraints affect personnel and operational decisions.
Chief Staub described how ISO ratings affect insurance underwriting and community dollar loss metrics, saying a favorable ISO rating helps with insurance outcomes though wildland risk and national insurer practices create separate challenges for homeowners seeking coverage.
No formal council action was required; the presentation served as an informational update.