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Local volunteer proposes town-run fire district, warns of startup costs
Summary
A Bluff resident and longtime volunteer firefighter outlined a plan for the town to assume local fire services through a special service district or service district, citing startup costs, revenue options and a reliance on a wildland program to make operations sustainable.
Dr. Gary Lichtenstein, a Bluff resident and volunteer firefighter, told the Bluff Town Council on a worksession that the town should consider creating a special service district (SSD) or a service district to finance and administer the Bluff Volunteer Fire Department.
“The answer is yes. I think we can,” Lichtenstein said when asked whether Bluff could design and build a 21st‑century fire department. He also cautioned that the town “probably” could not afford a full town department funded only through existing property taxes.
Lichtenstein said he and volunteers completed a strategic planning process in October 2023 and returned to the issue after San Juan County signaled it would divest emergency services. He said the department’s future needs include 24/7 EMS and fire coverage, crews of four on calls, more personnel certified for structural and wildland firefighting, a ladder truck and paid administrative support for training, inspections and routine finance functions.
He presented preliminary cost figures and funding options. Lichtenstein said his draft first‑year budget was roughly $225,000 and that recurring non‑personnel operating costs on his estimate totaled about $158,770.64. He noted the town’s current property tax revenue and limits: ``The town of Bluff raised last year and is speculated to raise...property taxes of $35,000'' and that, with a truth‑in‑taxation vote, that revenue could increase to about $85,232 in his calculation. He also said total property taxes collected in 2025 were about $249,003.00.
Lichtenstein emphasized revenue mechanisms beyond property tax, including fees tied to water meters, out‑of‑jurisdiction reimbursement for mutual‑aid calls, inspections, hazmat responses and grants. He repeatedly highlighted a wildland program as a meaningful revenue source and as operationally relevant for Bluff’s environment.
On governance and liability, Lichtenstein said an SSD or SD (terms he said are defined in the Utah code) could be structured so the district’s finances are separate from the town’s general fund and so the town would not carry ongoing financial liability for the department budget. He said a town‑created district could still allow the council to shape governance — for example, by appointing trustees or defining succession rules — while keeping the department administratively separate.
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and expressed interest in pursuing the idea further. Councilmember Anne Lapponen said she was “excited to see a different option” in light of county changes to interlocal agreements. Councilmember Britt said she would follow up with questions. Town manager Aaron Nelson assisted with administrative clarifications during the presentation.
Lichtenstein closed by asking whether the council wanted him to prepare a resolution to create an SSD/SD for Bluff Fire; he said he was willing to draft a resolution if directed. He also suggested the council consider a public information meeting before pursuing changes that might affect funding mechanisms.
The presentation did not include a council motion or vote; councilmembers indicated interest in more information and follow‑up meetings with Lichtenstein and staff.
Lichtenstein’s comments and the council’s discussion establish the next steps as additional research, public outreach and direction to staff if the council wishes a formal draft SSD/SD resolution.
