Wasatch County Fire board approves retirement pickup, accepts clean audit; hears wildfire outlook and station construction delay

At its June meeting the Wasatch County Fire Protection Special Service District board approved an annual resolution to pick up retirement contributions for tier‑2 public safety employees, accepted a clean audit of the district—s 2023 financial statements and received updates on wildfire risk, staffing and a new station delayed by an FAA permit.

The board voted to adopt the retirement contribution resolution after staff said the measure implements a 100% pickup for tier‑2 public safety employees. Staff noted the pickup does not currently cover four employees classified as public employees rather than public safety; the district said state retirement classification issues are under review at the legislative level. The motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Mark and seconded by Spencer and passed unanimously.

The board also approved warrants totaling $1,383,515.77. Staff told the board that seven checks (six related to wildland bond repayments and one for a Heber City permit fee) totaling $37,656 were omitted from the current warrant list and will be added to next month—s warrants. The warrant motion was moved by Spencer, seconded by Kendall, and approved by the board.

Matt, an auditor with Squire, presented the district—s audit for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, and issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements and on compliance with the state compliance audit guide. "The financial statements present fairly in all material respects," Matt said, adding the audit identified no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control. He summarized the district—s year‑end balances as presented in the audit: total assets just under $44,000,000; total liabilities just under $17,200,000; net position just over $27,200,000; and roughly $15,300,000 available to meet ongoing obligations. Matt said staff were responsive and the audit proceeded efficiently. Board members had no further questions about the audit; staff noted the audit information must be filed with the state auditor by the end of the month.

Battalion Chief and fire warden Chief Morgan gave the district—s wildfire outlook. "It—s already started," he said, reporting two brush fires in the prior week: a roughly half‑acre fire caused by a mylar balloon that hit a power line, and a four‑acre fire near Oak Hill Lane likely started by embers from a controlled burn. He said high‑elevation fuel moisture remains relatively good but models suggest the district may not receive the same late‑season moisture as in recent years, elevating the risk of dry lightning and late‑season fires at lower elevations (roughly 5,500 to 6,500 feet). Morgan said outreach with HOAs and community events remains a focus to encourage defensible‑space maintenance.

On capital projects, the Fire Chief told the board that construction of the new station is progressing but work to set final large steel members is on hold following notice that an FAA permit is required to use a crane near the airport. The district received the FAA notice tied to May 14 and staff said the FAA has up to 45 days to issue the permit; the steel is staged on site and site grading and parking work continue. The chief said the building is just under 40 feet tall but setting the beams would require a crane approaching 100 feet, and the FAA may require a flashing red light on the crane or frame as part of the permit conditions.

The district is also recruiting part‑time EMS staff (targeting students from BYU and UVU) to meet summer staffing needs; applications are being accepted through June 21. Staff reported ongoing problems with the district—s current IT contractor, Executech, and said they have prepared RFP language and would explore working with county IT staff as an alternative to retendering.

An advisory board member reported touring the new facility and praised the progress and anticipated operational efficiencies. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn by Kendall, which the board approved.

What—s next: the audit documents will be submitted to the state auditor by the end of the month; staff will follow up on the FAA permit timeline and report back to the board, and the district will continue recruitment and finish drafting IT procurement options.