Cache County Council Workshop Meeting – 05-12-2026

- The council workshop focused on restructuring Cache County fire services and clarifying the legal/tax framework for the fire protection district, including how Logan City is treated separately from the rest of the county. - Staff explained the history of the fire district, the current board composition, and the ongoing effort to preserve countywide fire/EMS coordination while addressing concerns about double taxation and city autonomy. - The council discussed a proposed bylaw amendment that would expand the fire district board from 7 to 11 members by adding more mayoral representation from both the North and South, while keeping the county council as the appointing authority. - Legal staff clarified that the earlier move toward an elected board did not fully complete; the prior resolution stalled, but the interlocal agreement remains in effect and would need to be amended if the county changes course before May 2028. - A major topic was the proposed “reallocation” that would remove Logan from the fire EMS levy, shifting the tax burden to the remaining taxable base without changing total county revenue, but increasing the rate for properties outside Logan. - The workshop also covered a proposed municipal services levy for unincorporated county residents, intended to equalize tax treatment between city and unincorporated property owners and fund fire/EMS services more directly. - Officials estimated that the combined effect of the reallocation and future equalization could raise the typical unincorporated homeowner’s fire-related taxes substantially, while Logan residents would see a reduction; the municipal services levy would not take effect until 2027 after truth-in-taxation steps. - Discussion included how the fire district would distribute funds back to cities through interlocal agreements, retain a portion for countywide services like administration, burn permits, training, and wildland fire protection, and potentially use county or city staffing/payroll support rather than duplicating administration. - Public comments came from Wellsville Mayor Lindley, who thanked county staff for the work, said small cities are feeling the strain of the process, and urged more unity among mayors while emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong fire protection for county residents.