Wasatch County Fire board adopts 2025 budget, approves 2024 amendment

The Wasatch County Fire Protection Special Service District approved an amendment to its 2024 budget and adopted a proposed 2025 budget during a meeting that included a public hearing with no public comment.

A staff presenter reviewing the amendment said sales-and-use-tax receipts were lower than anticipated in March and April, and ambulance revenues were down “primarily due to an issue with Medicare B repayments,” with the district still awaiting receipts from the bank. The presenter said grant proceeds increased after the district received additional rural competitive grants and that the district received a $100,000 donation for 2024.

The presenter said delays in construction of a planned new station reduced the pace of capital spending and the need for intra-fund transfers. The district received a lump sum from a Community Impact Board (CIB) loan, which temporarily increased interest accrued in capital project funds; the district also began paying on the CIB loan this year, the presenter said.

Board members pressed for accounting detail. One member asked whether increases in tools and equipment corresponded to decreases in operating supplies; the presenter said the district is implementing a purchase-order system and revising its chart of accounts to move expenses into more accurate categories rather than generic line items.

On the 2025 budget, the presenter said the mill levy would fall slightly but that overall property valuation rises would increase revenue. Officials expect full-year sales-and-use-tax receipts in 2025 and said interest revenue is forecast to decline as rates fall and balances shrink. The presenter said the district does not anticipate donations in 2025 and noted that the interlocal contract providing service to South Summit Fire District will end "the 31 this month."

Planned 2025 expenditures include hiring 12 new operational personnel to staff growth and one full-time fire-prevention inspector; the budget also funds a fuels mitigation plan that would add two part-time seasonal employees. The proposal includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and continued funding for leadership training, paramedic school tuition and tuition assistance for employees. The budget also allocates funds to furnish a new station and begin design work for additional stations, and the district plans to contract with the county IT department for services and accept UDOT-related fees to help control lighted intersections.

After the public hearing closed with no comments, the board took three formal votes. The board approved Resolution 2404 amending the 2024 budget, approved Resolution 2405 adopting the 2025 budget, and approved Resolution 2406 setting the 2025 meeting dates. Each motion was made, seconded and carried by voice vote; the meeting then adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2404 (2024 budget amendment): Motion moved by Luke; second recorded as Carl (record also references Steve). Outcome: approved (voice vote: "Aye").

- Resolution 2405 (2025 budget adoption): Motion moved by Kendall; second by Carl. Outcome: approved (voice vote: "Aye").

- Resolution 2406 (2025 meeting dates): Motion moved by an unidentified board member; second by Spence. Outcome: approved (voice vote: "Aye").

Next steps and context

The budget actions authorize the staffing increases and capital work described in the 2025 proposal; the district will proceed with station construction and design phases subject to usual procurement and funding processes. The board did not receive any public comments during the hearing.