UFSA approves tax increase to fund fire service improvements

The Unified Fire Service Area (UFSA) Board of Directors approved a 23% property tax increase for 2025 during its meeting on Dec. 10.

The increase is anticipated to generate $11.47 million to address rising operational costs, fund additional staffing and enhance fire services across UFSA’s 12 jurisdictions, including Eagle Mountain.

The tax increase will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase, considered an extension of the 2024 increase, will raise $5.09 million, while the second phase will add $6.39 million, according to a presentation from UFSA to the Eagle Mountain City Council.

This funding will be used for critical needs, including adding fire station staff, upgrading facilities, and maintaining a required 15% fund balance for emergencies.

For residential property owners, this means an average annual increase of $93.23, or $7.77 per month.

The approved funding includes the addition of a four-person company at Eagle Mountain’s Fire Station 253. This adjustment brings the station into alignment with national standards and reduces response times for emergencies. Eagle Mountain will now be served by three four-person companies, a move that significantly increases capacity for both medical and fire responses.

Kearns, another rapidly growing area, will also receive additional staff to reduce reliance on neighboring stations in Taylorsville and West Valley City.

Fire Chief Dominic Burchett highlighted the importance of the staffing changes in his presentation to the Eagle Mountain City Council.

“This is a necessary step to keep pace with the growth and rising call volumes in communities like Eagle Mountain and Kearns,” Burchett said.

The tax increase addresses inflation, rising operational costs, and the need for competitive wages to recruit and retain firefighters. Over the past six years, entry-level firefighter wages have increased by 22%, while costs for equipment, fuel and medical supplies have surged.

The increase will appear on 2025 property tax bills, raising UFSA’s projected revenue from $50 million in 2024 to $62.3 million in 2025.

Eagle Mountain residents and others across UFSA’s jurisdiction can review detailed financial statements and the 2025 budget on the UFSA website.