CACHE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD MEETING 09-02-2026

- The board approved a resolution to add operational and technical non-voting members to the NOAK and SOAK committees, including area fire chiefs and other representatives, to improve operational input. - Members adopted a proposed 2026 fire district levy of $4.2 million to begin the truth-in-taxation process, based on the county’s current fire department funding level and anticipated budget needs. - The board approved a recommendation to Cache County to consider a municipal services levy for the unincorporated area, with discussion centering on equalizing tax burdens between cities and unincorporated residents; the final recommended amount was clarified to $800,000 from NOAK and $750,000 from SOAK. - A housekeeping resolution passed to rename the district from “Cache County Fire Protection District” to “Cache Fire Protection District,” reflecting state requirements to avoid using “county” in the special district name. - The board approved a recommendation to divide the district into geographic divisions for trustee selection, including the six largest cities, the unincorporated/smaller-town area, and broader north/south representation to better balance geography and funding. - Matt Funk was appointed as treasurer, and Michelle Right was appointed as clerk for the district, with the clerk also handling minutes and notices. - The board discussed required state auditor training for special district board members and crime insurance coverage; staff agreed to send training links and help coordinate insurance through the county’s carrier. - The group reviewed the next steps and statutory deadlines for the levy and municipal services tax process, including notices, budget hearing requirements, and truth-in-taxation hearing timelines. - The next board meeting was tentatively scheduled for September 16 at 2:30 p.m., with the option to cancel if SOAK has no additional business; a regular October 1 meeting was also discussed as a fallback. - Public comments and discussion included concerns about the size and fairness of the proposed tax changes, especially for unincorporated-area residents, and questions about how the new divisions and appointments would work in practice.