Casey V. Bowden

The meeting addressed several key agenda items, including the approval of the 2026 UFA Board Meeting Schedule. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the review and approval of the Fiscal Year 24/25 Financial Report and Audit, which received an unmodified (clean) opinion with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified. The Board also approved Resolution 12-2025A concerning the Exhibit A to the UFA/UFSA Interlocal Agreement for Services for Calendar Year 2026. Operational updates included a report on the deployment of the Boulder Crest Struggle Well program for peer support and mental health training, a legislative session preview covering EMS billing, governmental immunity, and WUI requirements. Support services reported on capital purchases totaling $22 million and construction progress at Herriman Station 103. Operations shared that year-to-date call volume is near 39,000, marking an approximate 5% increase, and confirmed the transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). The Fire Chief recognized two Captains for exemplary service and detailed a successful female firefighter recruitment initiative held in conjunction with the upcoming Winter Fire School. Finally, the Board focused the quarterly Community Risk Reduction effort on promoting the utilization of Dial 211 for health and human services resources.

The meeting commenced with the announcement of a board member transition following Deputy Mayor Mike Rieberg's retirement, with Catherine Cantor being welcomed as the replacement. Key agenda items included the approval of the November 2020 minutes and the review of November disbursements as part of the consent agenda. Committee updates covered scheduling the budget calendar for the Finance Committee and deferring discussion on subcommittee composition policy until January due to necessary language revisions regarding delegated authority. The Board considered and approved the Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022 budget calendar, noting a necessary correction for a meeting time. Furthermore, the Board approved a market wage adjustment for sworn employees, effective January 2021, funded partially by projected excess ambulance revenue. An update on CARES funding was also provided, noting an uptick in COVID leave usage mirroring community trends.

The meeting commenced with public comment procedures. A new board member was welcomed to represent County participation. A significant portion of the meeting involved recognizing the actions of a fire crew, specifically Medical Aid 106, for a high-risk search and rescue operation during an apartment fire on April 16th, resulting in zero civilian fatalities. The board also reviewed the budget presentation, which included a proposed 2% increase, and deferred discussions on merit increases until a later date. Discussions covered the quarterly financial report, noting expected revenues and expenditure monitoring, particularly overtime costs related to minimum staffing levels and personnel on injured reserve. Other topics included the approval of the fee schedule for the UFA and updates on dispatch line items, as well as discussions regarding the establishment of a pay rate for the Operations Chief position.

The meeting covered several key operational and financial items. The Consent Agenda approved the October disbursements, noting routine annual financing payments and explaining an increase in travel expenses due to reimbursable wildland firefighter deployments. The Quarterly Financial Report for the first quarter of FY25/26 indicated strong revenue collection, with expenditures tracking appropriately under budget, although overtime appeared slightly high due to wildland deployments (which are reimbursable). The board also reviewed the status of the Wildland Fund, Emergency Management Fund, and Capital Replacement Fund, noting that $22 million in new financing will begin deployment. A Public Hearing was held to consider the first proposed amendments to the 25/26 Fiscal Year Budget, including adjustments for grants, true-ups, and structural changes like fund balance commitments. Following the hearing, Resolution 11-2025A, approving the budget amendment, was considered and passed. Operational updates included discussions on HB48 implementation regarding WUI fees, progress on updating the 2023 Standards of Cover document for 2026 release, and positive staffing trends resulting in declining mandatory overtime, though a shortage in Paramedics remains. The Fire Chief provided updates on the contingent health insurance funding model, noting an expected year-end payment increase, and highlighted the successful deployment of the reimbursable Rapid Extrication Module Support (REMS) unit.

The meeting included announcements regarding the upcoming UFA Awards Ceremony scheduled for November 3rd. The public comment period concluded with no participants. A presentation was scheduled for the Professional Firefighters of Utah Award, which was deferred and later presented to Lane Hilton for exceptional leadership and selfless service, particularly in firefighter crisis intervention and behavioral health. The board approved the minutes from the September 21, 2021, meeting and subsequently approved the consent agenda, which included September disbursements. Committee updates were provided, focusing heavily on concerns regarding emerging wage trends, compensation competitiveness in the job market, and anticipated medical/URS costs ahead of budget season. The quarterly financial report for the first quarter of the fiscal year was presented, noting significant overtime expenditures primarily due to reimbursed deployment costs, as well as updates on the Wildland fund showing high spending due to a busy season. Finally, an update was given on the ad hoc committee established to manage the transition and selection process for the next Fire Chief, with a target recommendation date set for March.