Cache County Council Workshop Meeting – 05-12-2026
2026-05-13
Alright. We are gonna go ahead and get this meeting started. This is a workshop meeting for the county council. It was a a way for us to have a discussion about the fire board just amongst ourselves so that we can make sure that everyone's up to speed and what the fire district is doing. And, I was gonna maybe turn let you and Dave kind of give an overview of where we're at with the fire district and, some of the legalities about their taxing and some of those things that we had questions about.
Alright. We are gonna go ahead and get this meeting started. This is a workshop meeting for the county council. It was a a way for us to have a discussion about the fire board just amongst ourselves so that we can make sure that everyone's up to speed and what the fire district is doing. And, I was gonna maybe turn let you and Dave kind of give an overview of where we're at with the fire district and, some of the legalities about their taxing and some of those things that we had questions about.
Excellent. That's a big binder. I hope you don't start for cage one. That's
Excellent. That's a big binder. I hope you don't start for cage one. That's
that's rats. Oh. Okay. Dave, do you want
that's rats. Oh. Okay. Dave, do you want
Go ahead. You're your chair. You fill in. You I'll be happy. I Jump in where where any
Go ahead. You're your chair. You fill in. You I'll be happy. I Jump in where where any
where I leave any holes. So a year and a half ago, two a year and a half ago about was that two years ago? When did we start? It's been a couple years. We got a couple years. We started as a three member, fire board.
where I leave any holes. So a year and a half ago, two a year and a half ago about was that two years ago? When did we start? It's been a couple years. We got a couple years. We started as a three member, fire board.
And We've always actually it's been going for years and years and years. It's been going for a long time. '66. Since 1965.
And We've always actually it's been going for years and years and years. It's been going for a long time. '66. Since 1965.
So a long time. It's a long, long time. There was a fire board, and fire district established in in 1966, and it's everything outside of Logan. So Logan, I I don't know the impetus for it. I I don't know. It doesn't really matter. They said they didn't wanna be involved at the very beginning when it was formed. Right. And so but as we know with our budget, we still pay for the county fire department and is resulted in that double taxation for the Logan City, residents. So, we've been in the process of trying to find the right, structure for fire board and for the right services for the fire district, for those that are outside of the city of Logan. And the the reason that the double taxation occurred is that
So a long time. It's a long, long time. There was a fire board, and fire district established in in 1966, and it's everything outside of Logan. So Logan, I I don't know the impetus for it. I I don't know. It doesn't really matter. They said they didn't wanna be involved at the very beginning when it was formed. Right. And so but as we know with our budget, we still pay for the county fire department and is resulted in that double taxation for the Logan City, residents. So, we've been in the process of trying to find the right, structure for fire board and for the right services for the fire district, for those that are outside of the city of Logan. And the the reason that the double taxation occurred is that
it was all being utilized and monies were coming out of general fund The general fund. Versus a municipal services tax, which then could have had boundaries and only taxed certain areas. And so it's where the money was coming from was creating the double taxation because of the tax to everybody.
it was all being utilized and monies were coming out of general fund The general fund. Versus a municipal services tax, which then could have had boundaries and only taxed certain areas. And so it's where the money was coming from was creating the double taxation because of the tax to everybody.
Thank you. Thank you. And in last year, the we created, bylaws which expanded our board and to include so I had one member of the county council from the South, one member of the county council from the North, the county executive, and then two mayors from the North and two mayors from the South. And we started meeting to try to define what the fire district would be moving forward. And it now consists of mayor Lindsay Peterson from North Logan and mayor Aaron Rudy from Smithfield in the North with Dave. And then in the South, we have Mary late May mayor Larry Jacobson with Nibley City and mayor Steve Miller with Hireup City. And and then the executive with myself and then the executive at large. And of which we only received
Thank you. Thank you. And in last year, the we created, bylaws which expanded our board and to include so I had one member of the county council from the South, one member of the county council from the North, the county executive, and then two mayors from the North and two mayors from the South. And we started meeting to try to define what the fire district would be moving forward. And it now consists of mayor Lindsay Peterson from North Logan and mayor Aaron Rudy from Smithfield in the North with Dave. And then in the South, we have Mary late May mayor Larry Jacobson with Nibley City and mayor Steve Miller with Hireup City. And and then the executive with myself and then the executive at large. And of which we only received
two app applications from the South and three applications from the North of which two were selected and one was not. From the from the board. The board's The board to make up that board. I have a question though as as we I know that those
two app applications from the South and three applications from the North of which two were selected and one was not. From the from the board. The board's The board to make up that board. I have a question though as as we I know that those
the the board members come to us for advice and consent. When the new mayoral elections happened, did we ever do that for the new mayor of Smithfield and the new mayor of Hyrum, or did they just automatically move on to the board? Is that a procedure opening? We accepted applications.
the the board members come to us for advice and consent. When the new mayoral elections happened, did we ever do that for the new mayor of Smithfield and the new mayor of Hyrum, or did they just automatically move on to the board? Is that a procedure opening? We accepted applications.
We we advertised the positions again, and we accepted applications, and they were the cities that applied again. I know. But did that ever come back to the council, those two mayors? It did. It did. Okay. Their names came back to the came back to the council as we accepted them. Procedurally, we're moving along. Yeah. And so now we are at the point of trying to define what the service will look like as a fire district. And and and we're still trying to define what the fire board looks like, and that goes into I think that leads into the service as well. We have in the South End of the valley, and this is where chief George can probably help us and talk about where we have services as far as the county has services and what services are provided. If you don't mind, that would be helpful. Yeah.
We we advertised the positions again, and we accepted applications, and they were the cities that applied again. I know. But did that ever come back to the council, those two mayors? It did. It did. Okay. Their names came back to the came back to the council as we accepted them. Procedurally, we're moving along. Yeah. And so now we are at the point of trying to define what the service will look like as a fire district. And and and we're still trying to define what the fire board looks like, and that goes into I think that leads into the service as well. We have in the South End of the valley, and this is where chief George can probably help us and talk about where we have services as far as the county has services and what services are provided. If you don't mind, that would be helpful. Yeah.
So we provide EMS service to Paradise, Hiram, Wellsville, Mendon, Millville, and I know I'm leaving one out. Mibley. Mibley. Thank you. Mibley. To those six plus the incorporated county on the South End, and the boundaries kind of tucked down along and then run out to SR 30 that runs out. But, like, College Ward is part of Logan's District. We also provide code enforcement or fire prevention support through either interlocal agreements or kind of friendly agreements with Wellsville, Nibley, a little bit in Millville as well, Paradise, and just more kind of off and on with with Hire. They've primarily taken that over for themselves on the South End. And then, obviously, we provide countywide training services as well as partial coordination with the countywide HAZMAT and technical rescue programs that are out there. We also do all the coordination for burn permits, and so we have a website. We host that for anybody in the county that does burn permits on their own. Cities can also go through the state on that, but, like, in the last thirty days, we processed about 581, burn permits in that time period.
So we provide EMS service to Paradise, Hiram, Wellsville, Mendon, Millville, and I know I'm leaving one out. Mibley. Mibley. Thank you. Mibley. To those six plus the incorporated county on the South End, and the boundaries kind of tucked down along and then run out to SR 30 that runs out. But, like, College Ward is part of Logan's District. We also provide code enforcement or fire prevention support through either interlocal agreements or kind of friendly agreements with Wellsville, Nibley, a little bit in Millville as well, Paradise, and just more kind of off and on with with Hire. They've primarily taken that over for themselves on the South End. And then, obviously, we provide countywide training services as well as partial coordination with the countywide HAZMAT and technical rescue programs that are out there. We also do all the coordination for burn permits, and so we have a website. We host that for anybody in the county that does burn permits on their own. Cities can also go through the state on that, but, like, in the last thirty days, we processed about 581, burn permits in that time period.
And then, as far as in the North, the coordination that we have or how are services provided in the North? Yeah. So we contract with all the smaller municipalities
And then, as far as in the North, the coordination that we have or how are services provided in the North? Yeah. So we contract with all the smaller municipalities
to cover the unincorporated area. We essentially, match per capita what their budgets are to provide the services, to our citizen well, I hate to say it that way, to the unincorporated citizens out there, and Smithfield provides the, ambulance transport services through the North
to cover the unincorporated area. We essentially, match per capita what their budgets are to provide the services, to our citizen well, I hate to say it that way, to the unincorporated citizens out there, and Smithfield provides the, ambulance transport services through the North
End. Excellent. K. Thank you very much. Yep. Stay close. You're probably gonna have a lot.
End. Excellent. K. Thank you very much. Yep. Stay close. You're probably gonna have a lot.
Now It's the shortest copies of all I don't get any chance I have a copy of this. Yeah. If you could if you could Could you ask Janine if she could print out like, I have a copy and six document from from executive. Yeah. You can take this with me if you just wanna copy it. I just want everyone to see that. So
Now It's the shortest copies of all I don't get any chance I have a copy of this. Yeah. If you could if you could Could you ask Janine if she could print out like, I have a copy and six document from from executive. Yeah. You can take this with me if you just wanna copy it. I just want everyone to see that. So
about three months ago, the executive came up with the option. There's been a friction between all of the different departments that we have across the county outside of losing autonomy and also their where they've invested for their cap for their infrastructure, where they've invested in their infrastructure and in their departments of of joining the district fully. And the in order to leave the district, it's very complicated. You have to do a feasibility study over the course of eighteen months. It takes about that long. Yeah. A feasibility study, you have to get gather so many signatures, like, however many signatures from your from your city in order for them to be and then take it to in order to get it on the ballot. And then once they gather that many signatures and put it on the ballot, then it has to pass within their city to be able to leave the special service district, if I understand. Is that is that correct? Okay. And so there there there's been some concern about losing some of their autonomy and losing and feeling that they have invested so much in their own departments
about three months ago, the executive came up with the option. There's been a friction between all of the different departments that we have across the county outside of losing autonomy and also their where they've invested for their cap for their infrastructure, where they've invested in their infrastructure and in their departments of of joining the district fully. And the in order to leave the district, it's very complicated. You have to do a feasibility study over the course of eighteen months. It takes about that long. Yeah. A feasibility study, you have to get gather so many signatures, like, however many signatures from your from your city in order for them to be and then take it to in order to get it on the ballot. And then once they gather that many signatures and put it on the ballot, then it has to pass within their city to be able to leave the special service district, if I understand. Is that is that correct? Okay. And so there there there's been some concern about losing some of their autonomy and losing and feeling that they have invested so much in their own departments
and in kind of giving that up to the district. There was there was early also early on, the vision of the fire board was to transition to an all elected board elected specifically by the people for fire district. Kinda like the water district. Kinda like the water district. And that's what we were trans we were in the process of trying to transition into. And then So they passed ordinance as a council that states such in They matter of fact, the board passed the fire district board all passed the their resolution resolution ordinance. So it's interlocal agreement. Interlocal agreement to do that. It came to us as a council, and then we passed that. That that was the process that we were gonna go to to become an all elected board. Specifically resolutions. Specifically elected for
and in kind of giving that up to the district. There was there was early also early on, the vision of the fire board was to transition to an all elected board elected specifically by the people for fire district. Kinda like the water district. Kinda like the water district. And that's what we were trans we were in the process of trying to transition into. And then So they passed ordinance as a council that states such in They matter of fact, the board passed the fire district board all passed the their resolution resolution ordinance. So it's interlocal agreement. Interlocal agreement to do that. It came to us as a council, and then we passed that. That that was the process that we were gonna go to to become an all elected board. Specifically resolutions. Specifically elected for
the fire district board. Right, Eric? Eric has can speak to that too. Or We can both help out with that. So the way that the district bylaws were set up right now is it's a two it's a double vote to pass bylaw changes. So the first time through basically sets the standard. They passed that by the super majority that was necessary five out of the seven votes. It came to the council for basically ratification because you are the appointing authority. And that's required under 17 b one one thousand and one, and you guys passed it by resolution. Yeah. Yeah. The council passed it when it went back to the fire board for ratification on their side. That's where it stalled, and then the the clock ran out on. Yep. So
the fire district board. Right, Eric? Eric has can speak to that too. Or We can both help out with that. So the way that the district bylaws were set up right now is it's a two it's a double vote to pass bylaw changes. So the first time through basically sets the standard. They passed that by the super majority that was necessary five out of the seven votes. It came to the council for basically ratification because you are the appointing authority. And that's required under 17 b one one thousand and one, and you guys passed it by resolution. Yeah. Yeah. The council passed it when it went back to the fire board for ratification on their side. That's where it stalled, and then the the clock ran out on. Yep. So
it's null? Is that what it is now? Is it null? Because the the the the resolution said it had they had four years to move to an elected board, and then we passed that. So if it's stalled out, where is it now? Or So with the board,
it's null? Is that what it is now? Is it null? Because the the the the resolution said it had they had four years to move to an elected board, and then we passed that. So if it's stalled out, where is it now? Or So with the board,
they would have to bring up a new resolution, which I think that is currently in play to do a new bylaw amendment. If they went if they decided to change course and still do elected board and they still change it, which they we know they need to because they're they're changing sorry. Let me they're they're they're telling you how who to appoint, which they can't, which was our bad one. We made those bylaws. But
they would have to bring up a new resolution, which I think that is currently in play to do a new bylaw amendment. If they went if they decided to change course and still do elected board and they still change it, which they we know they need to because they're they're changing sorry. Let me they're they're they're telling you how who to appoint, which they can't, which was our bad one. We made those bylaws. But
if if they did go to an elected board again, it would have to come to you for approval under state code. But So so we don't have to do anything to move away from having an elected board. That's where like, as it currently stands, that is not, that was not done completely. Yep. So we don't have to do okay. Yeah. Because it takes two steps, took you guys and them, and it went to you guys and it went to them and then they didn't do it. They didn't cut they didn't do it again. So it's it seems like they're going in a different direction. So right now, it's not the that's not the code that they have to move to the electorate. Right now, it Everything
if if they did go to an elected board again, it would have to come to you for approval under state code. But So so we don't have to do anything to move away from having an elected board. That's where like, as it currently stands, that is not, that was not done completely. Yep. So we don't have to do okay. Yeah. Because it takes two steps, took you guys and them, and it went to you guys and it went to them and then they didn't do it. They didn't cut they didn't do it again. So it's it seems like they're going in a different direction. So right now, it's not the that's not the code that they have to move to the electorate. Right now, it Everything
right now is with the fire district Mhmm. And the direction that they want to now go. In the hands of the fire board. Yes. Yeah. The fire district board of trustees. Yeah. Fire protection
right now is with the fire district Mhmm. And the direction that they want to now go. In the hands of the fire board. Yes. Yeah. The fire district board of trustees. Yeah. Fire protection
district board, I think is what they're for. Fire
district board, I think is what they're for. Fire
okay. Fire Ash County Fire District Board of Trustees. Yeah.
okay. Fire Ash County Fire District Board of Trustees. Yeah.
So Yes. So now we're trying to establish
So Yes. So now we're trying to establish
the composition of the board of trustees were and and we have an amendment to the current bylaws that are in place of how that, the composition of that board will be. And we had discussion about that today with an amendment that was proposed, by the executive, for representation in the county, and his amendment includes two representation from an additional larger city in the North, but a recommendation because it's not it ultimately, the county council is still the approval the approving The appointing authority. The appointing authority. Thank you. But the recommendation to include the cities that are currently in of in the North of North Logan Smithfield, and then include Hyde Park and a small city that they would decide, or the board would decide? No. The small cities would get together. Small
the composition of the board of trustees were and and we have an amendment to the current bylaws that are in place of how that, the composition of that board will be. And we had discussion about that today with an amendment that was proposed, by the executive, for representation in the county, and his amendment includes two representation from an additional larger city in the North, but a recommendation because it's not it ultimately, the county council is still the approval the approving The appointing authority. The appointing authority. Thank you. But the recommendation to include the cities that are currently in of in the North of North Logan Smithfield, and then include Hyde Park and a small city that they would decide, or the board would decide? No. The small cities would get together. Small
cities, which would be the remaining cities in the North, would choose one of their mayors to be on that board and the same thing in the South.
cities, which would be the remaining cities in the North, would choose one of their mayors to be on that board and the same thing in the South.
And Eric? It would have to be they would choose someone to apply, and then you as the appointing board would have to appoint them. You guys have that authority to appoint who? Yeah. So the so it would come to the
And Eric? It would have to be they would choose someone to apply, and then you as the appointing board would have to appoint them. You guys have that authority to appoint who? Yeah. So the so it would come to the
to the board of trustees and we would vet that and and then bring it to the county council who would then ultimately appoint be the appointing authority. So we wanna make that board 11 people now. So then the the the amendment has that's the amendment that has been presented by the executive, for the governance of the board. As far as services, that's where we're still trying to understand where the, the proper balances to keep. We don't want any of the cities to leave the district even though it is very onerous process to leave. We don't we wanna keep as cohesive as we can, and that's where the executive has come up with the option of of having a a countywide levy. A countywide every time I say countywide, it's everything excluding Logan. Right? I'm I'm just gonna say that disclaimer. Everything excluding the countywide levy. Wide levy There you go. That would be collected by the fire district and then distributed to the diff either the different municipalities to be able to provide services either within their own departments or contract through the county or contract with neighboring departments that have the capacity to serve them.
to the board of trustees and we would vet that and and then bring it to the county council who would then ultimately appoint be the appointing authority. So we wanna make that board 11 people now. So then the the the amendment has that's the amendment that has been presented by the executive, for the governance of the board. As far as services, that's where we're still trying to understand where the, the proper balances to keep. We don't want any of the cities to leave the district even though it is very onerous process to leave. We don't we wanna keep as cohesive as we can, and that's where the executive has come up with the option of of having a a countywide levy. A countywide every time I say countywide, it's everything excluding Logan. Right? I'm I'm just gonna say that disclaimer. Everything excluding the countywide levy. Wide levy There you go. That would be collected by the fire district and then distributed to the diff either the different municipalities to be able to provide services either within their own departments or contract through the county or contract with neighboring departments that have the capacity to serve them.
Do you have copies of that for this council of your voucher of your voucher? I kind of
Do you have copies of that for this council of your voucher of your voucher? I kind of
prepared this memo that kinda sets out the timeline and the steps. But Catherine's doing a good job I know. Of explaining it. Yeah. I just thought when we get to the voucher program that that you've Here we go. Recommended. Yeah. Georgia's termed it the voucher program because each city would receive
prepared this memo that kinda sets out the timeline and the steps. But Catherine's doing a good job I know. Of explaining it. Yeah. I just thought when we get to the voucher program that that you've Here we go. Recommended. Yeah. Georgia's termed it the voucher program because each city would receive
those funds that were collected by the fire district to be able to kind of have their autonomy and and and deciding how to use this. And the board would determine allocation? And the board would determine the levy.
those funds that were collected by the fire district to be able to kind of have their autonomy and and and deciding how to use this. And the board would determine allocation? And the board would determine the levy.
Both the both the levy and how it's distributed? Yes.
Both the both the levy and how it's distributed? Yes.
So so what we've been talking about too is Thanks, George. Yeah. And and I'll George, I'll let you talk about this in detail, but but kind of what what we looked at was we want to preserve the fire district because for a lot of reasons, we have a county wide fire service. And so the the the point is this is gonna be a way to pay the cities how much they need to provide their fire out of that levy, but we wanna make sure there's a certain amount of the general fund that we still keep
So so what we've been talking about too is Thanks, George. Yeah. And and I'll George, I'll let you talk about this in detail, but but kind of what what we looked at was we want to preserve the fire district because for a lot of reasons, we have a county wide fire service. And so the the the point is this is gonna be a way to pay the cities how much they need to provide their fire out of that levy, but we wanna make sure there's a certain amount of the general fund that we still keep
a fire department in the county. And that's I I don't think that's completely right. I think the the retainage would be kept by the fire district for a for a county wide fire district.
a fire department in the county. And that's I I don't think that's completely right. I think the the retainage would be kept by the fire district for a for a county wide fire district.
I I said earlier, it would come out of our general fund. The county would pay to the fire district for services that they they could potentially
I I said earlier, it would come out of our general fund. The county would pay to the fire district for services that they they could potentially
Well provide that support. Explain that. Let me go step by step. K. Maybe I should just walk through this memo Yes. Because I think it'll clarify everything. K. So this is kind of the steps and the timeline. Please stop me. I I have to tell you that it seems like misunderstandings occur as rapidly as explanations are given. And and frankly, there's been a lot of input into this. I started off with some rough ideas, and they've been chained and adapted as we've gone along. I appreciate the reference to me as being the source of all of this information. And what I am doing is aggregating the wishes of a lot of different people. I'm trying to respond to that. The the first step is a separation of the county fire EMF to a separate funder levy, reference to the fire protection district. This action is set for decision before the Cache County Council tonight. This change will recognize that Logan City Red Smith did not receive significant services from county fire EMF. Utilizing a separate levy implements the necessary tax reallocation. All this is is reallocating it, not budgeting more or less money. It's simply reallocating it. So when you pass that levy, our fire budget will only be collected from parties outside of Logan City. So the what you appropriated for your fire department remains appropriated. It just there's a a smaller denominator. The Logan City taxpayers will not be included in the levy for the new fire protection district. The loss of Logan's taxable value will require the reapportionment of the current Cache County Fire EMS budget to the remaining taxable value in the fire protection district. The reapportionment will amount to an approximate 50% increase in the portion of the property tax associated with support for the current Cache County Fire EMS budget for properties outside of Logan City. The reason that's 50% is Logan's taxable value is about one third of the county. So when you take that out, the remaining two thirds goes up about 50%. The change is revenue neutral to the county, but the reapportionment will change the revenue sources. Everybody follow what what I'm saying there? A typical primary home in Cache County with an appraised value of 600,000 has a taxable value of 330. Current county fire EMS cost is approximately $74.43. That's a portion of our county taxes that goes to support our fire efforts. At this point, all county taxpayers are assessed as cost As a result of the reapportionment associated with removing Logan's taxable value, there would be an increase of approximately $39.75 on homes of primary homes that are outside Logan to a 114. It was $74. Now it's a 114. County residents in Logan would cease to pay any assessment, a savings of $74.43 on a typical primary home. The assessment goes from point zero zero two two six to point zero zero three four nine. This change would be reflected in Logan resident paying less property taxes to Cash County. The real allocation would first appear with the 2,026 taxable that are payable this November. Because it's revenue neutral and we're simply moving it to another budget line, we can do that if we pass this tonight. Cash County appoints the members of the fire protection board. Fire Protection District Board is currently composed of mayors of Hiram, Smithfield, North Logan, and Nibley, two county council persons in the county executive. In an effort to provide complete representation, all county residents, the new set of bylaws is proposed to the current board would be added the recommendation that the county appoint the mayors of Providence and Hyde Park and that two additional mayors be added. One mayor from the North recommended by the mayors of Richmond, Lewis, and Newton Park, and the Malaga, Trenton, and Cornish. One mayor from the South recommended by the mayors of Wellville, Melville, River Heights, Men and The Paradise. The board would increase from seven members to 11 members with the addition of these board issued for mayors. Terms would match time of service in the office of mayor. Unincorporated residents would be represented by the north and south council person. Thus, all residents outside of Logan are represented on the Fire Protection District board. Now that's up to the board to decide whether they wanna do that or not. My understanding is that we we did present that for discussion today. Fire board had to come back and with a super majority, put it on the table for passage, and then they have to come back to a second meeting and pass it. So it's not like it was done today. It was just simply put on the table. We have a meeting a week from tomorrow where they could, by a super majority, put it up for vote, and then they would have another meeting passing it. And then those would come to us for advice and consent. Those Those those names. The bylaw change may, but is not required to be approved by the Cache County Council. That my legal advice from I'm getting from Eric and mister Anderson is that we've given enough authority to the fire board that they can make that decision. But I think it would be helpful if we want to speak on that to give them our advice. So now I'm down to number seven. The owners of the unincorporated property are not contributing in equal share to fire and EMS service. County residents living in cities pay fund to the county, but they also contribute to the cost of fire and EMS service through municipal tax levies. So for example, someone living in North Logan pays us for fire and EMS coverage, and then they're also taxed by North Logan for for that. A person who lives in the unincorporated county only is taxed by us. So, we talk about it being unequal with Logan. It's also unequal out in the county between cities and unincorporated county. It is proposed that Cash County equalizes differential between county taxpayers living in city and in the unincorporated area by levying a municipal services levy on the unincorporated property. It is proposed that the total levy be $0.00 800, which is approximately the total assessment paid for properties in the county which are located in city. In implementing the municipal services levy, the unincorporated property would receive a credit for the fire protection levy against that amount. So we're whatever the fire protection levy is right now, and if county equivalent to 0, and we would on the unincorporated amount equivalent to 0.0008. Four five four.
Well provide that support. Explain that. Let me go step by step. K. Maybe I should just walk through this memo Yes. Because I think it'll clarify everything. K. So this is kind of the steps and the timeline. Please stop me. I I have to tell you that it seems like misunderstandings occur as rapidly as explanations are given. And and frankly, there's been a lot of input into this. I started off with some rough ideas, and they've been chained and adapted as we've gone along. I appreciate the reference to me as being the source of all of this information. And what I am doing is aggregating the wishes of a lot of different people. I'm trying to respond to that. The the first step is a separation of the county fire EMF to a separate funder levy, reference to the fire protection district. This action is set for decision before the Cache County Council tonight. This change will recognize that Logan City Red Smith did not receive significant services from county fire EMF. Utilizing a separate levy implements the necessary tax reallocation. All this is is reallocating it, not budgeting more or less money. It's simply reallocating it. So when you pass that levy, our fire budget will only be collected from parties outside of Logan City. So the what you appropriated for your fire department remains appropriated. It just there's a a smaller denominator. The Logan City taxpayers will not be included in the levy for the new fire protection district. The loss of Logan's taxable value will require the reapportionment of the current Cache County Fire EMS budget to the remaining taxable value in the fire protection district. The reapportionment will amount to an approximate 50% increase in the portion of the property tax associated with support for the current Cache County Fire EMS budget for properties outside of Logan City. The reason that's 50% is Logan's taxable value is about one third of the county. So when you take that out, the remaining two thirds goes up about 50%. The change is revenue neutral to the county, but the reapportionment will change the revenue sources. Everybody follow what what I'm saying there? A typical primary home in Cache County with an appraised value of 600,000 has a taxable value of 330. Current county fire EMS cost is approximately $74.43. That's a portion of our county taxes that goes to support our fire efforts. At this point, all county taxpayers are assessed as cost As a result of the reapportionment associated with removing Logan's taxable value, there would be an increase of approximately $39.75 on homes of primary homes that are outside Logan to a 114. It was $74. Now it's a 114. County residents in Logan would cease to pay any assessment, a savings of $74.43 on a typical primary home. The assessment goes from point zero zero two two six to point zero zero three four nine. This change would be reflected in Logan resident paying less property taxes to Cash County. The real allocation would first appear with the 2,026 taxable that are payable this November. Because it's revenue neutral and we're simply moving it to another budget line, we can do that if we pass this tonight. Cash County appoints the members of the fire protection board. Fire Protection District Board is currently composed of mayors of Hiram, Smithfield, North Logan, and Nibley, two county council persons in the county executive. In an effort to provide complete representation, all county residents, the new set of bylaws is proposed to the current board would be added the recommendation that the county appoint the mayors of Providence and Hyde Park and that two additional mayors be added. One mayor from the North recommended by the mayors of Richmond, Lewis, and Newton Park, and the Malaga, Trenton, and Cornish. One mayor from the South recommended by the mayors of Wellville, Melville, River Heights, Men and The Paradise. The board would increase from seven members to 11 members with the addition of these board issued for mayors. Terms would match time of service in the office of mayor. Unincorporated residents would be represented by the north and south council person. Thus, all residents outside of Logan are represented on the Fire Protection District board. Now that's up to the board to decide whether they wanna do that or not. My understanding is that we we did present that for discussion today. Fire board had to come back and with a super majority, put it on the table for passage, and then they have to come back to a second meeting and pass it. So it's not like it was done today. It was just simply put on the table. We have a meeting a week from tomorrow where they could, by a super majority, put it up for vote, and then they would have another meeting passing it. And then those would come to us for advice and consent. Those Those those names. The bylaw change may, but is not required to be approved by the Cache County Council. That my legal advice from I'm getting from Eric and mister Anderson is that we've given enough authority to the fire board that they can make that decision. But I think it would be helpful if we want to speak on that to give them our advice. So now I'm down to number seven. The owners of the unincorporated property are not contributing in equal share to fire and EMS service. County residents living in cities pay fund to the county, but they also contribute to the cost of fire and EMS service through municipal tax levies. So for example, someone living in North Logan pays us for fire and EMS coverage, and then they're also taxed by North Logan for for that. A person who lives in the unincorporated county only is taxed by us. So, we talk about it being unequal with Logan. It's also unequal out in the county between cities and unincorporated county. It is proposed that Cash County equalizes differential between county taxpayers living in city and in the unincorporated area by levying a municipal services levy on the unincorporated property. It is proposed that the total levy be $0.00 800, which is approximately the total assessment paid for properties in the county which are located in city. In implementing the municipal services levy, the unincorporated property would receive a credit for the fire protection levy against that amount. So we're whatever the fire protection levy is right now, and if county equivalent to 0, and we would on the unincorporated amount equivalent to 0.0008. Four five four.
Gotcha. K. So, George, will you just answer like, I'm having questions about the logistics of that. When we when we make the the process that we're gonna do tonight to take Logan out, that won't change our $20.26 revenue at all. No. Like, but this levy this this would have to be something that the council sets up a, a municipal services levy, and it couldn't be done until 2027.
Gotcha. K. So, George, will you just answer like, I'm having questions about the logistics of that. When we when we make the the process that we're gonna do tonight to take Logan out, that won't change our $20.26 revenue at all. No. Like, but this levy this this would have to be something that the council sets up a, a municipal services levy, and it couldn't be done until 2027.
Correct? Indeed. That's correct. Okay. I just the process of that is what I'm looking at. Matt is the one that researched the municipal services levy, and that that's what I understand.
Correct? Indeed. That's correct. Okay. I just the process of that is what I'm looking at. Matt is the one that researched the municipal services levy, and that that's what I understand.
K. And what's that process? We'd need to go through a truth in taxation. We would have to go through all those, hurdles and, and Separately?
K. And what's that process? We'd need to go through a truth in taxation. We would have to go through all those, hurdles and, and Separately?
Sorry? It would be a separate truth in taxation process.
Sorry? It would be a separate truth in taxation process.
Well, if you would do it, I suspect, if you were to make any other changes to the general fund taxes that require a TNT, I believe you'd do it at the same time. So at at, a TNT to cover both of those. But we couldn't do that until It's it's you it's 2027. Right? Exactly. It's 2027. Nothing that you do on that municipal service, levy could happen until November 20, December, and it would be effective '20 The first time we collect money for it would be in November
Well, if you would do it, I suspect, if you were to make any other changes to the general fund taxes that require a TNT, I believe you'd do it at the same time. So at at, a TNT to cover both of those. But we couldn't do that until It's it's you it's 2027. Right? Exactly. It's 2027. Nothing that you do on that municipal service, levy could happen until November 20, December, and it would be effective '20 The first time we collect money for it would be in November
Okay. I just wanted to make sure I was understanding that process. Now as we so I'm I'm calling one a reallocation.
Okay. I just wanted to make sure I was understanding that process. Now as we so I'm I'm calling one a reallocation.
This is equalization. A, as a result of this equalization, the typical home in the unincorporated county would see two increases. First, the reallocation, which they're gonna receive this year of $39.75. And second, for the equalization with municipal taxpayer, which would be a $149.83, the total increase would be a $189.57 for the typical primary home appraised at 600,000.
This is equalization. A, as a result of this equalization, the typical home in the unincorporated county would see two increases. First, the reallocation, which they're gonna receive this year of $39.75. And second, for the equalization with municipal taxpayer, which would be a $149.83, the total increase would be a $189.57 for the typical primary home appraised at 600,000.
I took I've caught on to that. We didn't even pay for any better service. Yeah. I've caught on to that. So there's two parts to my question, and I had a quote, but I won't say it now. So I'm I'm in public. But anyhow, the unincorporated is gonna be at 800 mil. Right? Yeah. Do we know the differences of the municipalities who are gonna be in this fire district of how their municipal levy is as far as their tax rate so that we understand what those municipal
I took I've caught on to that. We didn't even pay for any better service. Yeah. I've caught on to that. So there's two parts to my question, and I had a quote, but I won't say it now. So I'm I'm in public. But anyhow, the unincorporated is gonna be at 800 mil. Right? Yeah. Do we know the differences of the municipalities who are gonna be in this fire district of how their municipal levy is as far as their tax rate so that we understand what those municipal
cities are seeing? We've collected the information from all the cities, and it does vary significantly. Like, for example, the municipal levy in North Logan and Providence is in the range of 600 mills. The levy in Smithfield is you know, it's on this chart. Instead of my trying to remember it? If if you look at the top line, it says current fire, EMS budget, city general fund. So if you go across there, you can see how much is is each city is allocated. And let me just say, it's it's a little murky, Nolan, because Holy crap. Mendon, for example, collects an EMS fee with the water bill. Some of these cities, when you look at their budget, they put what they're spending, but they also have contracts with other cities. So you're constantly trying to drain out what the differential is for all of them. The other thing that's also happening is some of the cities have large areas of unincorporated that are coming into their fire budgets too. For example, Minden served Minden City, but it also serves a city, but it also serves a large area of the county. And the area outside Mendon actually had more taxable value than the than the city does. So it it's a little murky, but it it seemed to coalesce around 800.
cities are seeing? We've collected the information from all the cities, and it does vary significantly. Like, for example, the municipal levy in North Logan and Providence is in the range of 600 mills. The levy in Smithfield is you know, it's on this chart. Instead of my trying to remember it? If if you look at the top line, it says current fire, EMS budget, city general fund. So if you go across there, you can see how much is is each city is allocated. And let me just say, it's it's a little murky, Nolan, because Holy crap. Mendon, for example, collects an EMS fee with the water bill. Some of these cities, when you look at their budget, they put what they're spending, but they also have contracts with other cities. So you're constantly trying to drain out what the differential is for all of them. The other thing that's also happening is some of the cities have large areas of unincorporated that are coming into their fire budgets too. For example, Minden served Minden City, but it also serves a city, but it also serves a large area of the county. And the area outside Mendon actually had more taxable value than the than the city does. So it it's a little murky, but it it seemed to coalesce around 800.
Okay. Second part, and I I think this is a hard question home insurance type of thing for fire coverage that a resident will face. Because, for instance, when I build my house, I had to disclose where my fire department is and what's going on, and we do the same in Bear Lake. So I'm wondering, have we looked at that or thought about that impact? It happens. And, frankly He looks like he's brave. Changing funding.
Okay. Second part, and I I think this is a hard question home insurance type of thing for fire coverage that a resident will face. Because, for instance, when I build my house, I had to disclose where my fire department is and what's going on, and we do the same in Bear Lake. So I'm wondering, have we looked at that or thought about that impact? It happens. And, frankly He looks like he's brave. Changing funding.
But I don't I don't think there's gonna be actually much different service on the ground.
But I don't I don't think there's gonna be actually much different service on the ground.
Yes. You're basically asking about the ISO rating for the cities or for the unincorporated area. It would take a bit longer period of time. But if the cities were able to reinvest that into infrastructure, whether it's water supply or services that they provide, there's a potential that that can happen. But it's more than just what fire service is available right now that goes into that rating, specifically.
Yes. You're basically asking about the ISO rating for the cities or for the unincorporated area. It would take a bit longer period of time. But if the cities were able to reinvest that into infrastructure, whether it's water supply or services that they provide, there's a potential that that can happen. But it's more than just what fire service is available right now that goes into that rating, specifically.
So it depends is the answer. But it could be better. We're That's what we're hoping. We probably should just hit you as you get the same service for more money.
So it depends is the answer. But it could be better. We're That's what we're hoping. We probably should just hit you as you get the same service for more money.
The the reallocation doesn't bring any more money into it. The equalization does. This equalization would actually add, about 1,000,003 to the money that's devoted to fire in the county.
The the reallocation doesn't bring any more money into it. The equalization does. This equalization would actually add, about 1,000,003 to the money that's devoted to fire in the county.
So as you've met with the mayors and stuff like that, and I've talked to some and some citizens, are we going to be able to say to the citizens and and this is where I'm looking because I'm representing the unincorporated part of the county, is it there's still something coming from the county in fire protection, such as training, such as help, such as those other things that I don't wanna see be given up? Because I really lean to the side that the fire board has some kind of an election point to it rather than appointment, and I don't know what how the others differ on that. But I just wonder if that's been discussed.
So as you've met with the mayors and stuff like that, and I've talked to some and some citizens, are we going to be able to say to the citizens and and this is where I'm looking because I'm representing the unincorporated part of the county, is it there's still something coming from the county in fire protection, such as training, such as help, such as those other things that I don't wanna see be given up? Because I really lean to the side that the fire board has some kind of an election point to it rather than appointment, and I don't know what how the others differ on that. But I just wonder if that's been discussed.
Let me let me get to the same question. And I think I'm You're down to number Down to to almost an answer to that question. I just get more questions. Around in this. I just get more questions because you're gonna charge me more. So okay. That's right. Nine, it proposed that the board execute its response by the park to do this by entering into interlocal agreement. So there's gonna be a an interlocal agreement between the fire district in every single city. So that essentially the money's gonna go out to the city, but the city's gonna sign an interlocal agreement that says this money's gonna be used for fire and EMS. Doesn't have to be spent immediately, but it can't get into a different allocation. It can't move the money for their water department or their parks. It has to stay at fire and EMS. That's a paragraph a. B, the county would go into the unincorporated areas, Nolan, and essentially decide what services we would contract with the city. So, for example, Minden is has a large unincorporated area around it. The interlocal agreement between the fire protection board, the fire protection district, and Mandan would address the services that are both received by the unincorporated area of the county that's that's there. So we're gonna be collecting more money from them, Nolan. And our intent is to make sure those those unincorporated areas of the county get their share of services for that money that we're collecting. So we're already doing some of that, just because we put pumper trucks and tankers out in these rural fire departments, so that they can handle fires that don't have fire hydrates adjacent. So we're going to be wanting to do that. Now, it's going to be part of those interlocal agreements with those smaller and rural cities. Now c is is really the answer to the question that you asked me, that if the funds collected by the fire protection district would be distributed to cities based upon their taxable base, subject to a retention percentage and determined from time to time by the fire protection board. So we're not gonna distribute all the money That this retention amount would be retained by the fire district to cover its costs associated with the provision of countywide services, such as administration, burn permit, wildland fire protection, The transition amount for the first year, transition time would be set at 10%, but thereafter would be set by the Fire Protection Board. So, essentially, we'd we'd retain some of that money for countywide fire services.
Let me let me get to the same question. And I think I'm You're down to number Down to to almost an answer to that question. I just get more questions. Around in this. I just get more questions because you're gonna charge me more. So okay. That's right. Nine, it proposed that the board execute its response by the park to do this by entering into interlocal agreement. So there's gonna be a an interlocal agreement between the fire district in every single city. So that essentially the money's gonna go out to the city, but the city's gonna sign an interlocal agreement that says this money's gonna be used for fire and EMS. Doesn't have to be spent immediately, but it can't get into a different allocation. It can't move the money for their water department or their parks. It has to stay at fire and EMS. That's a paragraph a. B, the county would go into the unincorporated areas, Nolan, and essentially decide what services we would contract with the city. So, for example, Minden is has a large unincorporated area around it. The interlocal agreement between the fire protection board, the fire protection district, and Mandan would address the services that are both received by the unincorporated area of the county that's that's there. So we're gonna be collecting more money from them, Nolan. And our intent is to make sure those those unincorporated areas of the county get their share of services for that money that we're collecting. So we're already doing some of that, just because we put pumper trucks and tankers out in these rural fire departments, so that they can handle fires that don't have fire hydrates adjacent. So we're going to be wanting to do that. Now, it's going to be part of those interlocal agreements with those smaller and rural cities. Now c is is really the answer to the question that you asked me, that if the funds collected by the fire protection district would be distributed to cities based upon their taxable base, subject to a retention percentage and determined from time to time by the fire protection board. So we're not gonna distribute all the money That this retention amount would be retained by the fire district to cover its costs associated with the provision of countywide services, such as administration, burn permit, wildland fire protection, The transition amount for the first year, transition time would be set at 10%, but thereafter would be set by the Fire Protection Board. So, essentially, we'd we'd retain some of that money for countywide fire services.
So how many and here's another question. And, chief, you may have to answer this for me. Wild land wild land fire protection. Right now, we have some in the county who are full time for doing that. In this, I'm not sure where that full time people meet because we're talking administration and that. And so how do we
So how many and here's another question. And, chief, you may have to answer this for me. Wild land wild land fire protection. Right now, we have some in the county who are full time for doing that. In this, I'm not sure where that full time people meet because we're talking administration and that. And so how do we
are we contracting with Wellsville to say you're gonna go help us fight a wire land protection? It's kind of all over the lot as to how we handle that and and details still to be worked out in those interlocal agreement. But the point is is is this is gonna retain three to four hundred thousand dollars of money that's gonna remain with the with the fire district to to represent the countywide. And now let me mention this about Logan. Logan, we're we're taking him out of the assessment pattern tonight, so they're not contributing anything. I've had this discussion with Logan that they still should be contributing something to the county wide effort, and they have agreed to that. We talked about 10% of the savings to Logan City. Logan City is saving taxpayers are saving about a million 360,000 by no longer being taxed by the county. If I take 10% of that, that's roughly equal to what the unincorporated and the other cities are paying. So that's that's the amount we fixated on as a retention amount. Can't really get money out of Logan because there's no money that's gonna pass through our hand that we can do a retainage on. So Logan has agreed in lieu of that that they'll pick up responsibilities that are equivalent to that that otherwise would fall on the county. And the responsibilities we talked about are providing fire and EMS service to College Young Ward, Logan Canyon, and some of the forest areas, which we now pay Logan to do. We pay him roughly a $100,000 a year to do those services for us.
are we contracting with Wellsville to say you're gonna go help us fight a wire land protection? It's kind of all over the lot as to how we handle that and and details still to be worked out in those interlocal agreement. But the point is is is this is gonna retain three to four hundred thousand dollars of money that's gonna remain with the with the fire district to to represent the countywide. And now let me mention this about Logan. Logan, we're we're taking him out of the assessment pattern tonight, so they're not contributing anything. I've had this discussion with Logan that they still should be contributing something to the county wide effort, and they have agreed to that. We talked about 10% of the savings to Logan City. Logan City is saving taxpayers are saving about a million 360,000 by no longer being taxed by the county. If I take 10% of that, that's roughly equal to what the unincorporated and the other cities are paying. So that's that's the amount we fixated on as a retention amount. Can't really get money out of Logan because there's no money that's gonna pass through our hand that we can do a retainage on. So Logan has agreed in lieu of that that they'll pick up responsibilities that are equivalent to that that otherwise would fall on the county. And the responsibilities we talked about are providing fire and EMS service to College Young Ward, Logan Canyon, and some of the forest areas, which we now pay Logan to do. We pay him roughly a $100,000 a year to do those services for us.
The structure of the I I see the count the fire board, and they are gonna be the ones who retain that 10% to provide services to the whole county, or will the will the county just keep that and have our own payroll, our own department that we are providing for everyone? I I think it's it's gonna be duplicative
The structure of the I I see the count the fire board, and they are gonna be the ones who retain that 10% to provide services to the whole county, or will the will the county just keep that and have our own payroll, our own department that we are providing for everyone? I I think it's it's gonna be duplicative
to do that because I think our fire district is is going to be one administration system. I think it's likely not for sure but likely that the fire department that we now have will become the administrative head of the fire district that retained them, that they will continue to provide fire and EMS service on a contractual basis to a number of cities, principally in the South County.
to do that because I think our fire district is is going to be one administration system. I think it's likely not for sure but likely that the fire department that we now have will become the administrative head of the fire district that retained them, that they will continue to provide fire and EMS service on a contractual basis to a number of cities, principally in the South County.
K. So the I'm just thinking about where the payroll comes from. Yeah. That's that's what I'm thinking. Yeah. Because,
K. So the I'm just thinking about where the payroll comes from. Yeah. That's that's what I'm thinking. Yeah. Because,
I mean, we we could try and retain it as a county, but then we'd have two two things. And I I think we'd be more efficient if we said that's the fire district's responsibility, is to do those things. You talk about training, burn permits. There's a whole list of things that but I I I don't see us keeping a county fire department.
I mean, we we could try and retain it as a county, but then we'd have two two things. And I I think we'd be more efficient if we said that's the fire district's responsibility, is to do those things. You talk about training, burn permits. There's a whole list of things that but I I I don't see us keeping a county fire department.
Okay. Can I just add something to that? Yeah. I think this is we're we're dealing with a similar issue with the airport authority because it's a separate separate legal entity. And they they have the ability if they don't have the administrative capacity to manage their own finance department or anything, or anything. They have the ability to contract with the county, with another city to handle that because I mean, that that's true. We to run payroll to do human resources and things, but that's something that the fire district is going to have to
Okay. Can I just add something to that? Yeah. I think this is we're we're dealing with a similar issue with the airport authority because it's a separate separate legal entity. And they they have the ability if they don't have the administrative capacity to manage their own finance department or anything, or anything. They have the ability to contract with the county, with another city to handle that because I mean, that that's true. We to run payroll to do human resources and things, but that's something that the fire district is going to have to
to figure out on their own. Because I don't see them that I don't see that group of mayors having the the fire knowledge to manage burn permits, you know, for the whole county. I that We'll have a chief that will advise us, I'm sure. Yeah. I just I think that's how is it structured, and where does the payroll come from. And There there's a lot of detail to work through here, but I think
to figure out on their own. Because I don't see them that I don't see that group of mayors having the the fire knowledge to manage burn permits, you know, for the whole county. I that We'll have a chief that will advise us, I'm sure. Yeah. I just I think that's how is it structured, and where does the payroll come from. And There there's a lot of detail to work through here, but I think
I think we need to recognize that that there's going to be a migration over time from volunteer fire department to leaves the door open. There you go. And I think having the fire district stood up and functioning and and doing the things it can do at this point leaves the door open for more responsibility as we go forward. I think the cities recognize that value. And that's the big part. Of them and maybe not 10%, but I think if we
I think we need to recognize that that there's going to be a migration over time from volunteer fire department to leaves the door open. There you go. And I think having the fire district stood up and functioning and and doing the things it can do at this point leaves the door open for more responsibility as we go forward. I think the cities recognize that value. And that's the big part. Of them and maybe not 10%, but I think if we
they'll do. We're not without representation on that board. We will continue to have three of us who sit on that board, and and we're funding of the various interlocal agreement. It is anticipated the cities will contract with each other or the fire protection district to provide fire and EMS. I've had a couple of cities who have asked us to not only provide EMS service, but also provide fire. Not us, but the district to do that. And so chief George and I are looking at that budget, and and I think we're close to being able to cover it. It is anticipated that fire protection agreements would begin preparation to implement the interlocal agreement beginning on 01/01/2027. Anticipated that the interlocal agreement would all be negotiated and approved by the fire protection board and the county and city prior to that day. Text the city. And after those were in place, we'd also make the disbursements. That's that's That's what I'm trying to understand. The steps and did I answer your question, Nolan?
they'll do. We're not without representation on that board. We will continue to have three of us who sit on that board, and and we're funding of the various interlocal agreement. It is anticipated the cities will contract with each other or the fire protection district to provide fire and EMS. I've had a couple of cities who have asked us to not only provide EMS service, but also provide fire. Not us, but the district to do that. And so chief George and I are looking at that budget, and and I think we're close to being able to cover it. It is anticipated that fire protection agreements would begin preparation to implement the interlocal agreement beginning on 01/01/2027. Anticipated that the interlocal agreement would all be negotiated and approved by the fire protection board and the county and city prior to that day. Text the city. And after those were in place, we'd also make the disbursements. That's that's That's what I'm trying to understand. The steps and did I answer your question, Nolan?
So the unincorporated is gonna see an 800 mil levy. The municipality is gonna receive a less levy because they're already getting one from the municipality. Right?
So the unincorporated is gonna see an 800 mil levy. The municipality is gonna receive a less levy because they're already getting one from the municipality. Right?
How do we factor that if each municipality's mill levy is so different? Does
How do we factor that if each municipality's mill levy is so different? Does
that make sense? Yeah. And and all I can say is is the mill
that make sense? Yeah. And and all I can say is is the mill
levy that we transfer to them will be the same. That's and let's to them will be the same. That that let's just use the number 394, because that's that's what ours amounts to. But we really don't have any control over whether the city then keeps their mill levy just the same anyway. And and because of doing that, they would harvest four or five like, a city like Providence or North Logan would have 4 or $500,000 extra money. They should be reducing their municipal, tax, a corresponding amount. But I have no way to compel them to do that. But I think once the citizens see that this is the tax, they're gonna wanna answer from their city as why there isn't a corresponding reduction in the city. But I can tell you, I've talked to some of them. Some of them are gonna pass it right on through and give them the discount. And other cities are saying, this is terrific. We'll have extra money because it's something else we want to. K. One more question. You mentioned that Mendenhall has a large area.
levy that we transfer to them will be the same. That's and let's to them will be the same. That that let's just use the number 394, because that's that's what ours amounts to. But we really don't have any control over whether the city then keeps their mill levy just the same anyway. And and because of doing that, they would harvest four or five like, a city like Providence or North Logan would have 4 or $500,000 extra money. They should be reducing their municipal, tax, a corresponding amount. But I have no way to compel them to do that. But I think once the citizens see that this is the tax, they're gonna wanna answer from their city as why there isn't a corresponding reduction in the city. But I can tell you, I've talked to some of them. Some of them are gonna pass it right on through and give them the discount. And other cities are saying, this is terrific. We'll have extra money because it's something else we want to. K. One more question. You mentioned that Mendenhall has a large area.
Chief, you can answer this. I think Hiram and Paradise have a larger area when you bring in Scare Canyon at Flat Road and all of that up there. What what I've been looking at is the taxable value that's outside the city. We have the county divided into fire districts now. So you're taking property value from a stand Taxable value.
Chief, you can answer this. I think Hiram and Paradise have a larger area when you bring in Scare Canyon at Flat Road and all of that up there. What what I've been looking at is the taxable value that's outside the city. We have the county divided into fire districts now. So you're taking property value from a stand Taxable value.
I've been looking at taxable value. Versus geographical area and the other. What's geographical? Well, I've been looking at both geographic, but I I have these fire districts now, and I've had the assessor and and Craig have given me the taxable value that, like, within Minden and outside of
I've been looking at taxable value. Versus geographical area and the other. What's geographical? Well, I've been looking at both geographic, but I I have these fire districts now, and I've had the assessor and and Craig have given me the taxable value that, like, within Minden and outside of
the So, Dan, we and bring this up is I'm hoping that then some of this extra tax hits those places up in Scare Canyon. Oh, yeah. And Flat Road and everything else because
the So, Dan, we and bring this up is I'm hoping that then some of this extra tax hits those places up in Scare Canyon. Oh, yeah. And Flat Road and everything else because
if we send a tender or a water truck out there, we are really going out there. Yeah. That that everything that is assessed by the county is gonna get hit by our taxes.
if we send a tender or a water truck out there, we are really going out there. Yeah. That that everything that is assessed by the county is gonna get hit by our taxes.
Yeah. I think you're looking at, is there a way to increase service or decrease the amount of time to service in those areas? Well, I just wanna make sure that those up there are paying their face share. Paying their face share because it requires I I would imagine the same tax rules would apply to any of the second non primary residences that they would get hit with that same rate.
Yeah. I think you're looking at, is there a way to increase service or decrease the amount of time to service in those areas? Well, I just wanna make sure that those up there are paying their face share. Paying their face share because it requires I I would imagine the same tax rules would apply to any of the second non primary residences that they would get hit with that same rate.
Yeah. I mean, I use the taxable value to the assessor. Assessor. If the assessor hasn't got a house that somebody scammed together up one of those canyons We just need to get the assessor to go up and
Yeah. I mean, I use the taxable value to the assessor. Assessor. If the assessor hasn't got a house that somebody scammed together up one of those canyons We just need to get the assessor to go up and
put an assessment on the house. I've been saying that for a while. We need to be watching that. They'll be up there. I see some houses up there that are looking pretty nice.
put an assessment on the house. I've been saying that for a while. We need to be watching that. They'll be up there. I see some houses up there that are looking pretty nice.
I can't say. House Bill 48 has helped with that a little bit, but we've really had to dive into some of those areas that are in that extreme high risk area where we are now looking property private property to say, do we have a value assessed to it? And if not, what's it going to take to get that to happen? And so that that has been helpful in that regard.
I can't say. House Bill 48 has helped with that a little bit, but we've really had to dive into some of those areas that are in that extreme high risk area where we are now looking property private property to say, do we have a value assessed to it? And if not, what's it going to take to get that to happen? And so that that has been helpful in that regard.
Is that what's that other program that's just coming from the state that increases the The WUI. The WUI. Is that being watched in those areas pretty heavy?
Is that what's that other program that's just coming from the state that increases the The WUI. The WUI. Is that being watched in those areas pretty heavy?
They're they're gonna the ones the state's gonna come out and do those, assessments.
They're they're gonna the ones the state's gonna come out and do those, assessments.
Right? So so they'll assess the property for defensible space around it. That's that same program. That's House Bill 48, which is the wildland urban interface program. And so they send us a list every year of the areas that are now deemed as kind of extreme high risk based upon a whole bunch of different variables in that mix. We can take the partial map, do an overlay on that, and then using the aerial photos that get run on the I can't remember the frequency of that. I think it's five years. We can zoom in and see, okay, what is that structure? And then go back to the And then go back to the records to identify who the property owner is, what the assessed value has been, yes or no, what the permitting processes have been in those areas. So quite a few of them as we've looked at those, there's a lot of smaller sheds that we may have two sheds that are within, I think, it's 750 feet or 250 meters of each other. They're triggering that there while the value of those properties or the structures is negligent.
Right? So so they'll assess the property for defensible space around it. That's that same program. That's House Bill 48, which is the wildland urban interface program. And so they send us a list every year of the areas that are now deemed as kind of extreme high risk based upon a whole bunch of different variables in that mix. We can take the partial map, do an overlay on that, and then using the aerial photos that get run on the I can't remember the frequency of that. I think it's five years. We can zoom in and see, okay, what is that structure? And then go back to the And then go back to the records to identify who the property owner is, what the assessed value has been, yes or no, what the permitting processes have been in those areas. So quite a few of them as we've looked at those, there's a lot of smaller sheds that we may have two sheds that are within, I think, it's 750 feet or 250 meters of each other. They're triggering that there while the value of those properties or the structures is negligent.
And so but it is generating they're gonna be hit the fee now for sure. I have a concern not a concern, but I just think it's disproportionate to say, okay. You live in a shed, so we're not gonna tax you as much. But yet, there's still a body in there that we need to protect, if that makes sense. What's the most equitable way to do it? That's a good question. But because if we're sending a $400,000 pumper up there. So I know. That's the tough part.
And so but it is generating they're gonna be hit the fee now for sure. I have a concern not a concern, but I just think it's disproportionate to say, okay. You live in a shed, so we're not gonna tax you as much. But yet, there's still a body in there that we need to protect, if that makes sense. What's the most equitable way to do it? That's a good question. But because if we're sending a $400,000 pumper up there. So I know. That's the tough part.
You know, one thing that I wanted to that that was kind of I'm just wondering how you do it. Yeah. I I wanted just wanted to share Far away you built from the fireplace?
You know, one thing that I wanted to that that was kind of I'm just wondering how you do it. Yeah. I I wanted just wanted to share Far away you built from the fireplace?
One of the no. One of the original ideas was that the county council would have to levy this tax and take all the truth in taxation and then send all the money to the cities. But through different legal opinions and and some roundabout ways, it the this new fire district board will levy their own tax. Even if they're not elected? They can do that. They are elected people. They're just not elected to that board. They're all elected.
One of the no. One of the original ideas was that the county council would have to levy this tax and take all the truth in taxation and then send all the money to the cities. But through different legal opinions and and some roundabout ways, it the this new fire district board will levy their own tax. Even if they're not elected? They can do that. They are elected people. They're just not elected to that board. They're all elected.
The the they're mayors or county. People. They will have the authority to set that tax rate. Eric Eric can speak to that. Yeah. Pull up the statute.
The the they're mayors or county. People. They will have the authority to set that tax rate. Eric Eric can speak to that. Yeah. Pull up the statute.
Seventeen one Seventeen. 17 b one one thousand and one three.
Seventeen one Seventeen. 17 b one one thousand and one three.
So our role, they'll have to come to us. We'll have a whole a pub public hearing, but we don't get to accept or deny the tax rate. We just get to hold the public hearing, and then
So our role, they'll have to come to us. We'll have a whole a pub public hearing, but we don't get to accept or deny the tax rate. We just get to hold the public hearing, and then
do they have to have a public hearing as well? Is ours They have to have a hearing. They have to go through that. They have to go through that. They have to go through that. They have to go through that. They have to go through that. They can't shake. Yeah. So the fire the lucky members that are both members of the county council and the fire district get to listen to it twice. That that's what I was if k. Go ahead. Your thing about what I wanna know is in 2029
do they have to have a public hearing as well? Is ours They have to have a hearing. They have to go through that. They have to go through that. They have to go through that. They have to go through that. They have to go through that. They can't shake. Yeah. So the fire the lucky members that are both members of the county council and the fire district get to listen to it twice. That that's what I was if k. Go ahead. Your thing about what I wanna know is in 2029
when it the mill levy needs to be raised, what's the process for that? It's the So
when it the mill levy needs to be raised, what's the process for that? It's the So
so there are options if you look at, three a two, the proposed tax or increase in the property rate has been approved by, and then if you look at b, subject to three b, an appointed board of trustees. So a tax increase can be and that's an or later on. I think there was some confusion because we were looking at it as if it was an and because lower right below that, it says the legislative body of the appointing authority, which is the Cache County Council. However, two b says subject to three b, an appointed board of trustees. You jump down to three b, and they have to go through the process in '17 b 01/1003. Now 1003 requires them to go through two truth in taxation. It requires them to come to create a report, and it's very specific on what has to be in that report. It has to come before this body in a public meeting, and it has to be open to public comment. And then you this body can also make a comment on how they feel about the tax levy and the increase. That that seems to put a lot of pressure on two council members. You're covering
so there are options if you look at, three a two, the proposed tax or increase in the property rate has been approved by, and then if you look at b, subject to three b, an appointed board of trustees. So a tax increase can be and that's an or later on. I think there was some confusion because we were looking at it as if it was an and because lower right below that, it says the legislative body of the appointing authority, which is the Cache County Council. However, two b says subject to three b, an appointed board of trustees. You jump down to three b, and they have to go through the process in '17 b 01/1003. Now 1003 requires them to go through two truth in taxation. It requires them to come to create a report, and it's very specific on what has to be in that report. It has to come before this body in a public meeting, and it has to be open to public comment. And then you this body can also make a comment on how they feel about the tax levy and the increase. That that seems to put a lot of pressure on two council members. You're covering
how many districts in the in the South in the South End? Three?
how many districts in the in the South in the South End? Three?
Yeah. How many does Dave cover in the North Area? Mark's and Dave's. Mark's and Dave's. Two. As the appointing authority, you guys don't have to be on the board.
Yeah. How many does Dave cover in the North Area? Mark's and Dave's. Mark's and Dave's. Two. As the appointing authority, you guys don't have to be on the board.
Good appointee. That's just my name. And that'll happen. But at the same time, it gets you gives you a say, but it also gives you the responsibility.
Good appointee. That's just my name. And that'll happen. But at the same time, it gets you gives you a say, but it also gives you the responsibility.
So I just wanna make sure that here we sit as a council that we are able to help the unincorporated or anybody in our district. And and as I've heard, that means and I'm getting back to this administration part that we lead for the county. I hope that's enough to step in and help a city like Wellsville or Mendon who doesn't have a great amount of area to do that in training, but yet we provide the expertise and everything for them
So I just wanna make sure that here we sit as a council that we are able to help the unincorporated or anybody in our district. And and as I've heard, that means and I'm getting back to this administration part that we lead for the county. I hope that's enough to step in and help a city like Wellsville or Mendon who doesn't have a great amount of area to do that in training, but yet we provide the expertise and everything for them
in the training and all that side. Well, I think that's what we've been advocating for is that we keep that fire district in place with highly professional staff, you know, our current That's what I'm hoping. Chief to be a resource for them. And we we also know that the the trending what's trending with volunteerism is that it's it's not. It's dying down. It's dying. And so as those volunteer departments are going to be dwindling, we already have a framework in place with the fire district to go in and and and help and and eventually kind of not consume them, but go in and and and help supplement their the needs that they have. Nolan,
in the training and all that side. Well, I think that's what we've been advocating for is that we keep that fire district in place with highly professional staff, you know, our current That's what I'm hoping. Chief to be a resource for them. And we we also know that the the trending what's trending with volunteerism is that it's it's not. It's dying down. It's dying. And so as those volunteer departments are going to be dwindling, we already have a framework in place with the fire district to go in and and and help and and eventually kind of not consume them, but go in and and and help supplement their the needs that they have. Nolan,
there will be an interlocal agreement between the fire district and Cache County.
there will be an interlocal agreement between the fire district and Cache County.
There there actually is currently an agreement, in place, but I believe that the And and that will be specifically
There there actually is currently an agreement, in place, but I believe that the And and that will be specifically
addressed there. Let me guess. It's not done right. If we want
addressed there. Let me guess. It's not done right. If we want
these services be provided to these cities so that we're assured that our unincorporated citizens are protected. And we still have the ability, if we choose, to do just what the municipalities are doing, which is raise money sufficient to provide that protection. And and that municipal services levy uses the ability to tax the unincorporated citizens for that purpose. That we're we're just like a city now. The city comes and says, I want the fire district to do this and this and this for me and and signs an interlocal agreement. You give me the money. Well, we're in the same situation. Our municipal services levy gives us money at the county to tell the fire district, we want these services. And it may well be that the beginning levy I set up of 800 mills is too much, just right, or not enough. But but you will have that ability to protect the unincorporated citizen because you can tax them and them alone to do that now. Instead of having to tax the whole county to benefit them, you tax them.
these services be provided to these cities so that we're assured that our unincorporated citizens are protected. And we still have the ability, if we choose, to do just what the municipalities are doing, which is raise money sufficient to provide that protection. And and that municipal services levy uses the ability to tax the unincorporated citizens for that purpose. That we're we're just like a city now. The city comes and says, I want the fire district to do this and this and this for me and and signs an interlocal agreement. You give me the money. Well, we're in the same situation. Our municipal services levy gives us money at the county to tell the fire district, we want these services. And it may well be that the beginning levy I set up of 800 mills is too much, just right, or not enough. But but you will have that ability to protect the unincorporated citizen because you can tax them and them alone to do that now. Instead of having to tax the whole county to benefit them, you tax them.
So And their services don't increase. That's gonna be the issue. Pardon me? They were going to see a huge spike in dollars, and those in the unincorporated
So And their services don't increase. That's gonna be the issue. Pardon me? They were going to see a huge spike in dollars, and those in the unincorporated
will see absolutely no increase in services for those dollar. Well, part of the problem with that statement, Dave, is they have been getting services
will see absolutely no increase in services for those dollar. Well, part of the problem with that statement, Dave, is they have been getting services
that are equivalent to a city and not paying anywhere near what the cities pay. It's been subsidized by the Logan. So when when Joanne runs for mayor in a couple years in Logan, she can tout that she lowered the Logan taxes. There's a benefit on the other side too. I have can we just review how many taxing entities there are in the county? There's obviously the There's 19. Okay. And that includes Logan. Alright. And And then the water and then the water district.
that are equivalent to a city and not paying anywhere near what the cities pay. It's been subsidized by the Logan. So when when Joanne runs for mayor in a couple years in Logan, she can tout that she lowered the Logan taxes. There's a benefit on the other side too. I have can we just review how many taxing entities there are in the county? There's obviously the There's 19. Okay. And that includes Logan. Alright. And And then the water and then the water district.
And then some of them have sewer or the school and then cemeteries.
And then some of them have sewer or the school and then cemeteries.
So would they do do they do truth and taxation the same way that this is done?
So would they do do they do truth and taxation the same way that this is done?
They yeah. They should. That that'll help me understand
They yeah. They should. That that'll help me understand
what the process is. So same thing, deliver a report. But not all of them are beholden to the council, like, the school district isn't where this would be. They'd still have to present it to the council.
what the process is. So same thing, deliver a report. But not all of them are beholden to the council, like, the school district isn't where this would be. They'd still have to present it to the council.
School districts do truth and taxation, nobody ever comes. Because it's appointed.
School districts do truth and taxation, nobody ever comes. Because it's appointed.
Why don't we wanna make it fully elected? We should at least ask the question and talk about it. Right? Because
Why don't we wanna make it fully elected? We should at least ask the question and talk about it. Right? Because
could. That's why I'm sitting there. That's a big chunk of bite. Say.
could. That's why I'm sitting there. That's a big chunk of bite. Say.
So city services. It's a couple conversations about what what are we actually voting on or potentially voting on tonight? Nothing. Nothing. Oh, tonight. Workshop. Oh, tonight. No. Tonight, we're gonna
So city services. It's a couple conversations about what what are we actually voting on or potentially voting on tonight? Nothing. Nothing. Oh, tonight. Workshop. Oh, tonight. No. Tonight, we're gonna
of the mix. But we're not deciding Maybe. If there's a Maybe.
of the mix. But we're not deciding Maybe. If there's a Maybe.
We can't make decisions here. No. No. No. No. That's then we will vote on that. I I didn't say what would our decision be. I said what's the No. That's Andrew, I got you covered there. Okay, you guys. Maybe. Okay. This was supposed to be a little bit more about voucher or any of that. It's just the renewal of voting. This is just this was just so that you guys are all aware of the conversations and the the, direction that we're going and the things that have been done so that because I feel bad because at some point, some of this comes to us, and
We can't make decisions here. No. No. No. No. That's then we will vote on that. I I didn't say what would our decision be. I said what's the No. That's Andrew, I got you covered there. Okay, you guys. Maybe. Okay. This was supposed to be a little bit more about voucher or any of that. It's just the renewal of voting. This is just this was just so that you guys are all aware of the conversations and the the, direction that we're going and the things that have been done so that because I feel bad because at some point, some of this comes to us, and
I want everyone to be educated. So we can table the discussion of the board composition for another time. Because there's one thing I love talking about, George. You know, it's boards and their compositions with you. Yes. But we but yeah. I think that merits a discussion of how many, how are they appointed,
I want everyone to be educated. So we can table the discussion of the board composition for another time. Because there's one thing I love talking about, George. You know, it's boards and their compositions with you. Yes. But we but yeah. I think that merits a discussion of how many, how are they appointed,
all that stuff. Well, ultimately, that's with
all that stuff. Well, ultimately, that's with
the board right now. The board will make a recommendation
the board right now. The board will make a recommendation
and then So just we got one thing. The current interlocal agreement between the county and the fire districts, the obligation on the fire districts board is to move to an elected. And that's why I said that that interlocal needs to because it's been signed by both parties, so it needs to be looked at.
and then So just we got one thing. The current interlocal agreement between the county and the fire districts, the obligation on the fire districts board is to move to an elected. And that's why I said that that interlocal needs to because it's been signed by both parties, so it needs to be looked at.
if they don't wanna move towards an elected board or if you don't want That's in contrast to what you posted up here as the state code then. Right? So well, that's just the current because the current board is an appointed board, and that's what they currently are at. And they've got four years to move to an elected board under the contract, which gives them until May 2028 to do that. However, I am not sure what I'm not the elected official to tell them what to do. But I thought you said that since it never was went back to the fire, that it was null and void. It's I'm talking that so yeah. That's null about the resolution, but not about the contract. The contract is still in place, and it needs to be looked at. Yeah. You'll have to guide us through that as we go Yeah. As a council, like Because we we made an agreement. The the county and fire district made an agreement. And at that time, the it was saying, okay. You guys wanna move to an elected board. We're on board with that. We want you to move to elected board so that you because we we thought that it was going in the direction of, like, the water district. The county agreed, the fire district agreed, and it was executed. That agreement is still in place. So that's the default thing that's gonna happen unless
if they don't wanna move towards an elected board or if you don't want That's in contrast to what you posted up here as the state code then. Right? So well, that's just the current because the current board is an appointed board, and that's what they currently are at. And they've got four years to move to an elected board under the contract, which gives them until May 2028 to do that. However, I am not sure what I'm not the elected official to tell them what to do. But I thought you said that since it never was went back to the fire, that it was null and void. It's I'm talking that so yeah. That's null about the resolution, but not about the contract. The contract is still in place, and it needs to be looked at. Yeah. You'll have to guide us through that as we go Yeah. As a council, like Because we we made an agreement. The the county and fire district made an agreement. And at that time, the it was saying, okay. You guys wanna move to an elected board. We're on board with that. We want you to move to elected board so that you because we we thought that it was going in the direction of, like, the water district. The county agreed, the fire district agreed, and it was executed. That agreement is still in place. So that's the default thing that's gonna happen unless
it's altered or sorry. So there's there's
it's altered or sorry. So there's there's
there's the interlocal agreement which is essentially the contract, but then there's the resolution that was to move towards the elect board which has not been passed. So there's the interlocal agreement which was agreed to by by both parties and is signed by both parties is is in effect. And that is something that will need to be changed if we're not going towards an elective board.
there's the interlocal agreement which is essentially the contract, but then there's the resolution that was to move towards the elect board which has not been passed. So there's the interlocal agreement which was agreed to by by both parties and is signed by both parties is is in effect. And that is something that will need to be changed if we're not going towards an elective board.
Sorry. I just wanted to bring that up if you're talking about board composition Yeah. Because that was agreed to Appreciate it. By this body.
Sorry. I just wanted to bring that up if you're talking about board composition Yeah. Because that was agreed to Appreciate it. By this body.
K. We probably need to wind down this meeting to get ready for our next meeting. And I know this wasn't a public hearing, but is there anyone in the public that, like, a two minute question that those of you that are here, did we did we confuse you more, or did you have something burning that you wanted to have clarified?
K. We probably need to wind down this meeting to get ready for our next meeting. And I know this wasn't a public hearing, but is there anyone in the public that, like, a two minute question that those of you that are here, did we did we confuse you more, or did you have something burning that you wanted to have clarified?
K. It's good for me. Alright. Thank you for being here. We appreciate you. And I think Well, you still had a chance to say something. I know. Say something. What? Go through that, man. We were so happy that George is gonna get money out of your pocket. We don't have anything else. Oh,
K. It's good for me. Alright. Thank you for being here. We appreciate you. And I think Well, you still had a chance to say something. I know. Say something. What? Go through that, man. We were so happy that George is gonna get money out of your pocket. We don't have anything else. Oh,
that's helpful, Chad. That's really helpful. What about the council?
that's helpful, Chad. That's really helpful. What about the council?
This is this is also still a proposal. Nothing has been Yes. This is adopted. Work in progress.
This is this is also still a proposal. Nothing has been Yes. This is adopted. Work in progress.
Can you come out of the state? Week, please.
Can you come out of the state? Week, please.
Mayor Lindley from Wellsville, we'd just like to thank George and Kurt for the amount of time and effort that they've put in to this. It's even as in a small city like Wellsville, it's become consuming for us. I can't even imagine what it is at their level. At the same time, I believe we have a couple of entities here that that's involved. We have we as politicians, even though we don't like to be called that, we are, but we also have our fire protection people. I'm hearing a lot from this group. I'd be interested to really hear what our fire protection people need to be successful and to protect the citizens of Cache County. Two, three weeks ago or three meetings ago in Wellsville, we proposed to move our mill levy to eight mills. We had two ardent tax opponents in that meeting, and we got absolutely zero blowback. Now that would change ours, I think, by four four point seven mills, something like that. I I don't believe that that's unreasonable for our citizens to get that protection. However, as I sit in various meetings, I'm concerned that we as mayors are still splintered there. I don't know what we need to do to become more united, the direction that we're going. Very honestly, if if Wellsville had the resources that Smithfield and Hiram has, we would be in a much different position than than than we are. However, I just I just appreciate the county for for what they're trying to do, for the clarity that they are giving we as mayors. Particularly me as a new mayor, I certainly appreciate that. Doesn't matter which direction we go, I believe there are going to be bumps. There's a steep learning curve, but I also believe that we need to address those and move forward,
Mayor Lindley from Wellsville, we'd just like to thank George and Kurt for the amount of time and effort that they've put in to this. It's even as in a small city like Wellsville, it's become consuming for us. I can't even imagine what it is at their level. At the same time, I believe we have a couple of entities here that that's involved. We have we as politicians, even though we don't like to be called that, we are, but we also have our fire protection people. I'm hearing a lot from this group. I'd be interested to really hear what our fire protection people need to be successful and to protect the citizens of Cache County. Two, three weeks ago or three meetings ago in Wellsville, we proposed to move our mill levy to eight mills. We had two ardent tax opponents in that meeting, and we got absolutely zero blowback. Now that would change ours, I think, by four four point seven mills, something like that. I I don't believe that that's unreasonable for our citizens to get that protection. However, as I sit in various meetings, I'm concerned that we as mayors are still splintered there. I don't know what we need to do to become more united, the direction that we're going. Very honestly, if if Wellsville had the resources that Smithfield and Hiram has, we would be in a much different position than than than we are. However, I just I just appreciate the county for for what they're trying to do, for the clarity that they are giving we as mayors. Particularly me as a new mayor, I certainly appreciate that. Doesn't matter which direction we go, I believe there are going to be bumps. There's a steep learning curve, but I also believe that we need to address those and move forward,
but we need to do that as an entire group of mayors and and council members from the county. So thank you. Thank Thank you for being here, mayor. We appreciate it. And I I think all of us feel like public safety is probably one of the number one things we do, and this is a part of that. We to make sure that we provide fire service and that everyone's paying adequately and receiving adequate service, and that's the goal. But it might take a while to get there, but that's the process we're starting. So k. We're gonna go ahead. I'll take a I don't have to have a motion. We're just gonna adjourn this meeting, and we'll be back at 05:00 to start our regular meeting. Thank you everyone for being here. Chief George.
but we need to do that as an entire group of mayors and and council members from the county. So thank you. Thank Thank you for being here, mayor. We appreciate it. And I I think all of us feel like public safety is probably one of the number one things we do, and this is a part of that. We to make sure that we provide fire service and that everyone's paying adequately and receiving adequate service, and that's the goal. But it might take a while to get there, but that's the process we're starting. So k. We're gonna go ahead. I'll take a I don't have to have a motion. We're just gonna adjourn this meeting, and we'll be back at 05:00 to start our regular meeting. Thank you everyone for being here. Chief George.