Council OKs golf-lease appropriation and funds three full-time airport firefighters

The Provo Municipal Council approved two budget items tied to operations and public safety:

1) A resolution retroactively appropriating lease-related revenue for the municipal golf course fund to align budget authority with a previously approved equipment lease. Staff described the item as a clerical/budget cleanup to match an earlier council authorization and no public comment was received. The measure passed by a voice roll call with six councilors voting yes and Councilor Hoben excused.

2) An appropriation of $158,396 to add three full‑time firefighters stationed at the airport for the FY2025–26 year. Airport director Brian Ferguson said passenger volume was roughly 40% above last year and that the airport experienced record July and June months, arguing the additional staffing will meet index-based staffing requirements as operations grow. Ferguson said the appropriation would be covered from an FY25 revenue surplus of roughly one million dollars and that airport revenues are projected to remain steady or climb.

Councilors supported the hire as a way to provide continuous professional firefighter coverage at the airport, free up airport operations staff for core duties, and reduce risk of FAA compliance problems by ensuring trained personnel are on duty. The appropriation passed by roll call with six yes votes and Councilor Hoben excused.

Votes and next steps: Both items were carried and staff will implement the firefighter hires and finalize budget entries; no additional council action was required beyond the appropriation votes.