Cache County Fire District approves $22,000 financial study from Zions Bank to scope possible levy

The Cache County Fire District Board unanimously approved a $22,000 contract with Zions Bank on Dec. 18 to conduct a financial study estimating the tax levy required for the district to fund fire and emergency services (excluding Logan). The board budgeted up to $30,000 for the study.

Speaker 5 summarized the RFP process: three firms were solicited, one declined, one submitted late, and Zions proposed a $22,000 scope of work. Trustees said the Zions proposal will analyze current service costs, projected growth, and how a district levy could be structured (excluding Logan). Speaker 5 said Zions will present figures for potential levies and how those could be apportioned across municipalities that remain in the district.

Trustees discussed whether municipal assets or services would be absorbed by the district; counsel and trustees said asset transfers are negotiable in interlocal agreements and should be reflected in the financial analysis. Speaker 1 and others emphasized that the analysis will be critical to determine whether a municipal services tax, a district levy, or contract arrangements are feasible and equitable.

Speaker 1 moved to approve the Zions proposal and Speaker 2 seconded. The board approved the contract by voice vote and scheduled a kickoff meeting to set the study scope and identify staff and trustee participants for the analysis.

Next steps: Zions will be asked to confirm scope and schedule at a kickoff meeting; trustees and staff will prepare a list of questions and provide data on call volumes, response times and current funding/asset arrangements to inform the study.