Unified Fire Authority

The Board meeting included a consent agenda covering general fund disbursements and payroll updates related to COVID-19 response. Committee updates were provided regarding benefits, compensation, governance, and finance. The Board discussed and adopted a new code of ethics policy, reviewed the ongoing strategic planning process for the upcoming cycle, and received a technology update regarding the transition to a new computer-aided dispatch system.

The committee discussed health and dental insurance renewals for the upcoming plan year. Key topics included the negotiation of renewal rates with Select Health, the implementation of a new network product to manage costs, the structure of contingent funding, and the inclusion of mental health benefits. The committee also initiated discussions on developing a formal policy for the frequency of bidding for insurance services and reviewed the feasibility of transitioning to a self-funded plan model.

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.