Uintah Fire Suppression Special Service District - Budget Workshop
Date: October 27, 2025
Location: Uintah Fire Suppression Special Service District Office
Meeting Type: Budget Workshop
Attendance
Board/Staff Present:
Jeremy Raymond, Terri Terrill, Robert Hall, Chris Gamble, Al Kettle, Robin O'Driscoll, Willis Lefevre, Joey Rodriguez, Corey Auger, Echo Sheffer, Tyler McKee, Brett Reynolds, Randy Batty.
Absent: None noted.
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District Financial Overview
- Expected Total Revenue: $2,000,000
- Current Budget: $2.5 million
- Main Account Balance: $2,526,796.23
- Capital Account Balance: $230,813.89
- Public Safety Total (approx.): $2.4 million
- PILT Funds: Received; additional $17,500 unallocated
- Interest (PTIF): Maintained as buffer
- Overall Trend: Revenues slightly down (less mineral lease), but still maintaining reserves and grant support.
- Planned Wage Adjustment: $1/hour raise for 4 full-time employees (approx. $13,434 including URS/taxes).
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Department Summaries
Avalon Fire Department
- Personnel: 10 total (7 active)
- Annual Calls: ~30
- Total Budget: $121,500
- Requests:
o Replace obsolete extrication equipment ($18,000)
o Monument sign ($7,500)
- Issues: Older hydraulic tools, limited recruitment.
- Facility: Building stable; minor floor crack.
- Retention Plan: $128,735 district-wide; supports small officer stipend increase.
- Community: Good participation after past public meetings.
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Jensen Fire Department
- Personnel: 14 active + 1 pending + 1 incoming in Jan
- Annual Calls: 97 (record high)
- Total Budget: $185,500
- Requests/Projects:
o Remodel bathrooms (add showers, female restroom)
o Carpet & paint training room ($13,000)
o Rescue truck (CIB 50/50 grant; budget $225,000-$250,000)
- Equipment: Needs foam, radios/pagers, new carpet.
- Training: Excellent safety & community involvement (Pumpkin Festival).
- Retention Plan Feedback: Include EMT certification with UFRA bonus ($30/hr).
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Lapoint/Tridell Fire Department
- Personnel: 22 total (10-12 active)
- Total Budget: not specified
- Requests:
o Asphalt sealing ($20,000)
o Retrofit generator ($10,000)
o Extrication cutter (priority need)
o Security cameras (optional, delayed)
- Facility: New station appreciated by community; heavy officer workload.
- Retention Feedback: Prefer $3/hour raise over training hours.
- Training Proposal: District-level training officer(s) or stipend for designated trainers.
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Naples Fire Department
- Personnel: 25 (mostly active)
- Requests:
o Extrication cutter (22 years old)
o Air compressor replacement (outdated 15+ years)
o Floor remodel
- Priority: Extrication tools, followed by facility upgrades.
- Retention Feedback: Training incentive preferred over raise.
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Vernal Fire Department
- Personnel: 25 (24 active)
- Annual Calls: ~350 per year
- Certifications: All FF1, 90% working on FF2
- Requests:
o New extrication tools
o Floor sealant, paint
o Thermal cameras
o Maeser substation asphalt
- Equipment Updates: Dual-band pagers; VHF/700 paging system.
- Community Events: Considering reinstating firefighter breakfast ($4,000-$5,000).
- Retention Feedback: Raise preferred.
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Wildland Division
- Funding Split: 40% Uintah, 10% Daggett, 50% State
- Budget: $101,000 (Uintah's share)
- Personnel: Warden + Assistant
- Requests:
o Assistant warden phone allowance
o New vehicle ($30,000)
- Operations: Productive year, strong interagency cooperation.
- Future: May expand mitigation and training; state considering support for assistant warden costs.
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Brush Program
- Funding: 100% self-sufficient; ~47 active fire days
- Truck: 110,000 miles, aging; repairs under warranty
- Requests:
o Second engine boss (district employee) - deferred
o Increased maintenance, fuel, and mitigation budget
- Profit: $110,000 (suggested reinvestment into program)
- Outcome: Continue existing program; evaluate adding personnel in future.
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Administration
- Staff Raises: $1/hour (4 employees)
- Increases:
o Inspecting wages
o Bank charges
o Office supplies (new printer)
o District activities (Christmas party)
- Emergency Expense: $30,000 retained
- Office Lease: Renewed with increased rate; new carpet and paint.
- Loan Payments: $60,000 allocated from revenue to support annual obligations.
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Airport Fire Division
- Personnel: 5 firefighters + 4 stationed at airport
- Notes:
o UFRA now provides training
o ARFF truck handled by airport
o One firefighter reassigned to Roads Dept.
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Districtwide Trends & Proposals
- Calls Summary (Est.):
o Vernal - 350
o Jensen - 97
o Avalon - 30
o Lapoint/Tridell - Moderate increase
o Naples - Active
o Total Estimated Annual Calls: ~600+ across district
- Extrication Equipment: Outdated districtwide (18-22 years old); replacement prioritized.
- Training Officer Proposal: Explore stipend or district-wide trainer program.
- Retention Program Options:
o $3/hour raise OR
o Additional training hours incentive.
o Mixed preference by station.
- Infrastructure Priorities:
o Jensen showers (40,000)
o Avalon shed (7,500)
o Carpet/paint upgrades
o PILT funds ($17,500) and Wildland profit ($110,000) available for capital reinvestment.
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Budget Motions & Resolutions
1. $1/hour raise approved for eligible full-time staff.
2. PILT funds allocated toward:
o $40,000 for Jensen showers
o $7,500 Avalon shed
o $13,000 Jensen carpet/paint
o Remaining balance to capital or extrication tools.
3. Wildland profit ($110,000): to Brush Department and/or rescue equipment fund.
4. Rescue Truck (Jensen): To be pursued via CIB grant (50/50).
5. Training Officer Program: To be reviewed at upcoming Chief's meeting.
6. Budget Adjustments: Include raises, new capital items, and priority requests.
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Adjournment
Motion: Al Kettle moved to adjourn.
Second: Chris Gamble.
Vote: All Aye.
Meeting Adjourned.
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Chairman Robert Hall
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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