Clarkston council weighs new Cache County Fire District tax, looks to neighbors for answers before June 30 budget deadline

Council members spent the longest portion of their May 20 meeting discussing the recent creation of a Cache County Fire District and what it will mean for Clarkston’s budget and property-tax bills.

The mayor told the council that the countywide ballot measure creating a fire district will increase property taxes across much of Cache County, but that towns will receive restricted “vouchers” intended to pay for approved fire and EMS equipment rather than unrestricted cash for general funds. “It’s like a voucher that we can only spend, and it says approved fire and EMS equipment,” the mayor said, noting council members were still seeking clarification on what counts as “approved.”

Council members raised several concerns: whether towns that already run their own fire services will be double‑taxed; how voucher funds will be pooled or used in interlocal agreements; which entity would control shared equipment; and whether small towns can realistically save enough voucher money to buy major equipment such as fire engines. One council member noted a hypothetical $185-per-year impact on a $600,000 home discussed in county meetings and emphasized uncertainty about the final mill rate.

Council members agreed they must adopt a proposed budget by June 30 and that the town should seek more information before deciding whether to lower Clarkston’s local levy to offset the county tax. One member urged outreach to other small towns and further conversations with county officials to clarify voucher rules, allowable purchases and administration of any shared equipment.

No formal motion or vote on budget changes was taken during the meeting; the council directed staff and members to gather additional details from the county and from neighboring municipal leaders and to revisit the question at an upcoming meeting.