UINTAH FIRE SUPPRESSION SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT
BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
Date: November 19, 2025
Location: Vernal City Planning Conference Room
Time: 5:15 pm
________________________________________
Attendance
Board Members and Staff Present:
- Robert Hall (Board Chairman)
- Robin O'Driscoll
- Chris Gamble
- Al Kettle
- Tyler McKee
- Sam Howard
- Echo Sheffer
- Travis Decker
- Corey Auger
- Terri Terrill
- Jeremy Raymond (Executive Director)
- Samantha Anderson
- Riley Anderson
Absent:
- Commissioner Willis Lefevre (out of town)
________________________________________
Call to Order
Board Chairman Robert Hall called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.
________________________________________
Standing Business
Approval of Minutes
1. October 22, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
o Motion: Robin O'Driscoll
o Second: Chris Gamble
o Vote: Unanimous approval
2. October 27, 2025 Budget Workshop Minutes
o Motion: Al Kettle
o Second: Robin O'Driscoll
o Vote: Unanimous approval
Approval of October 2025 Expenditures
- Executive Director Jeremy Raymond reviewed major expenditures.
- Total October 2025 expenditures: $99,448.64
- Motion: Chris Gamble
- Second: Al Kettle
- Vote: Unanimous approval
________________________________________
Reports
Station Reports
- Call volume, inspections, and plan reviews were reviewed for all departments.
- Departments reported as operating well.
- Recruitment and retention remained unchanged.
- Vernal Station received a donation from Williams.
Financial Report
- Total funds: $2,749,126
- 83% of the fiscal year had elapsed; overall spending average at approximately 70%.
- Mineral lease revenue received through September.
- Budget reopener scheduled for next month.
- PTIF accounts remain for General, Capital, and Naples Ladder Truck funds.
- Capital expenditures noted for rollovers (Naples Ladder Truck, Brush Truck, Showers).
- Brush Wildland Capital fund expected to be zeroed out.
- Chairman Hall confirmed confidence in the financial status; Executive Director Raymond affirmed.
Executive Director Report
- Routine meetings and mitigation crew operations ongoing.
- Brush truck expected to be completed in January.
- Fire season described as average.
- Meetings held with County Commissioners requesting $2.3 million in funding; outlook uncertain.
- Discussion held regarding potential billing for certain fire calls; revenue expected to be minimal due to administrative costs.
- Anticipated changes with new board members and potential budget reductions.
- Christmas Party scheduled for December 2.
- Attendance at UASD Conference reported.
- Fit testing scheduled for the current week.
________________________________________
Public Business
Approval of 2026 Tentative Budget
- Budget presented as tentative, with further discussion planned for next month.
- Key highlights included:
o $1/hour raise for full-time staff
o Added funding for extrication equipment and station showers
o Additional training hours
o Jensen rescue truck
o Projected $2,000,000 in mineral lease revenue
o PILT funds and wildland crew revenue included
o Total proposed budget: $2,535,688
o Capital projects adjusted to reflect full equipment costs
- Motion to approve the tentative budget: Chris Gamble
- Second: Al Kettle
- Vote: Unanimous approval
Amendment to Personnel Policy - Annual and Sick Leave
Resolution 2025-6
- Proposed amendments allow payout of excess annual and sick leave at 75%, reducing long-term district liability.
- Discussion included rollover limits, disability conversion, and end-of-employment payouts.
- Motion: Robin O'Driscoll
- Second: Chris Gamble
- Vote: Unanimous approval
- Resolution 2025-6 adopted
Approval of Gift Certificates and Year-End Bonuses
- Proposal to issue gift certificates and $250 year-end bonuses, consistent with prior year.
- Motion: Chris Gamble
- Second: Robin O'Driscoll
- Vote: Unanimous approval
________________________________________
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn approved unanimously.
- Meeting adjourned.
________________________________________
________________________________________
Approved by:
________________________________________
Robert Hall, Board Chairman
________________________________________
Attest:
_____________________________________________
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations during this meeting should notify Jeremy Raymond, 152 E 100 N, Vernal, Utah 84078: 435-781-6756.
Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation
Please direct any questions or comments to: Jeremy Raymond, 152 E 100 N, Vernal, Utah 84078. 435-781-6756