Willard officials discuss rooftop fee, county talks to fund new ambulance service

Willard City Council members and city staff discussed options to fund a new local ambulance and ambulance-related startup costs, including a proposed monthly per-household fee commonly called a "rooftop" fee.

City staff said the one‑time startup cost to build out a station addition and equip an ambulance would be about $176,000, and that an ongoing monthly fee of roughly $15 per household would cover part of the initial costs. Staff also presented an estimate that a fee covering the full startup figure would be closer to $20–$22 per rooftop per month, given the current count of roughly 700 residences in town. Staff identified other possible revenue sources—insurance billing, grants, and a negotiated county contribution—but said those amounts remain unknown.

The rooftop fee option was discussed as an alternative to increasing property taxes through the Truth in Taxation process. City staff noted a property tax increase needed to fund the new ambulance and an additional police officer would be roughly $83.32 per $100,000 of assessed value (the staff presentation tied that rate to the combined cost of the ambulance and the officer). Staff emphasized that property tax increases trigger Truth in Taxation hearings; by contrast, a fee applied on a utility bill could be implemented and adjusted more quickly but typically requires a rate study to show the fee is proportionate to the service cost.

Council members and staff emphasized negotiations with Box Elder County (referred to as "the county" in discussion) as an important next step. Staff said they plan to request county participation—either a direct payment for the rooftops in the county area served or some other cost‑sharing arrangement—and would also pursue a rate study (staff estimated a rate study cost of roughly $6,000–$10,000). Staff recommended beginning planning and procurement so a station addition and ambulance could be in place by mid‑2026 if funding and agreements are secured.

Staff cautioned the council that the ambulance fund could be set up as an enterprise fund and receive transfers from the general fund if needed, but transfers and long‑term subsidizing by the general fund are subject to budget amendment processes.

Next steps identified in the meeting included: directing staff to obtain a rate study and updated rooftops count, start formal discussions with Box Elder County about contributions, and include the startup and first‑year operating numbers in the FY26 budget materials for council consideration.