Introduction
The return of the rodeo was a huge success. In my mayor’s message in February 2024 I gave the history of our arena and the grant. Thank you to SLCO Council and the Tourism, Recreation and Culture Convention funding, for the ability to upgrade our bleachers and parking to become ADA compliant. Thank you to Circle J, the youth council, Lions Club, sponsors, volunteers, staff and spectators for helping to make it a wonderful event.
I am really excited for our summer celebration, Old West Days coming August 4-9. I’m also excited for a new bull riding event that will be held on the evening of September 1st. Make sure to find the July newsletter with the schedules!
These City events, along with our day-to-day living would not be possible without our Fire and Police Departments. They were all there helping and responding to various incidents and they will continue to be there for our future events. Please stop by their booths and thank them for their sacrifice and service.
I have had several people ask me about the Bluffdale Fire & Police Protection Fund. In municipal government, we have specific funds that cannot be used for any other expenses. Think of it like a dedicated bank account that by law can only be used for that designated purpose. We have specific funds (or accounts) for water, roads, impact fees and our fire and police. In Utah, cities have a few different options for managing and paying for public safety. Bluffdale has never used an outside taxing district for fire or for police, but we have evolved our approach over time.
Options for Managing Public Safety
1. General Fund: Many cities, (including Bluffdale in the past) simply treat police and fire as part of their regular city departments and include them in the General Fund. Money collected from all revenue sources, including property tax, sales tax, franchise tax, etc. goes into the city’s general fund, and from there, it’s used for all departments and services, including public safety.
2. Separate Public Safety Districts: (NOT USED BY BLUFFDALE): Some Utah communities form independent public safety districts, like the Unified Fire Authority or Unified Police Department. These entities have their own boards, their own taxing authority and operate separately from city governments. Bluffdale has never used this model because the city has chosen to keep direct control over public safety services and keep better control over the cost of service.
3. Public Safety Fund Within the City (Bluffdale’s Current Model): Today, Bluffdale uses a dedicated Public Safety Fund within its city structure. We call this fund our Fire & Police Protection Fund (“FPPF”). Again, think of it like a dedicated bank account that’s only used for fire and police services. The city does not currently levy property taxes in this fund. The City Council has directed that all property taxes be transferred into this fund. By transferring them into this fund, they are specifically earmarked for public safety—and can only be spent on those services. Note that any tax increase must have a truth-in-taxation public hearing.
Wh
y Bluffdale’s Public Safety Fund Model Stands Out
Bluffdale’s Fire & Police Protection Fund offers a powerful blend of transparency, control, and accountability that sets it apart from other models. Unlike separate districts, which delegate control to outside boards with their own taxing powers (like the Unified Fire Authority or Unified Police Department), Bluffdale’s fund keeps all decisions local. The city council directly oversees operations, ensuring that public safety aligns with community priorities.
Compared to housing police and fire as simple departments within the general fund, the Public Safety Fund adds a layer of fiscal clarity and protection. Property tax revenues and public safety fees that go into this fund are restricted by law—they must be spent on public safety. No dilution, no diversion. Residents know exactly where their money is going and why.
In short, Bluffdale’s Fire & Police Protection Fund keeps services under the city’s control, protects public safety dollars and builds trust through targeted funding. It’s a smart, resident-focused way to invest in community safety. Let’s continue to work together to support our fire and police departments and I hope to see everyone at our summer celebration, Old West Days!