The Davis County Winter Response Task Force voted unanimously on Monday, July 29, to submit a plan for a warming bus to the state. The proposal serves as an alternative to using brick-and-mortar buildings for temporary shelter during Code Blue Alerts.
Legislative background for task force
The task force was established following the passage of House Bill 298 by the Utah Legislature in 2024. This legislation requires second-class counties, such as Davis County, to create a plan for providing shelter to homeless individuals between October 15 and April 30.
Shelter requirements and previous options
The plan also addresses requirements for a temporary shelter during Code Blue Alerts, which occur when temperatures are forecasted to reach 15 degrees. Previously, the task force considered converting various county-owned facilities into shelters, including two locations in Kaysville: the Central Davis Senior Center at 21 E Center St and the old county emissions testing center at 20 N 600 W.
Proposal for a warming bus
Mayor Tran and the Kaysville City Council opposed using these Kaysville locations for a shelter. Instead, they proposed the purchase of a warming bus. Following research by Kaysville officials into similar programs used in the United States and Canada, the task force showed interest in the proposal. This research included meetings with a non-profit organization that converts commercial buses into warming buses featuring 16 to 20 private sleeping pods.
Estimated costs and next steps
The proposed warming bus plan carries an estimated cost of approximately $150,000 plus ongoing operational costs. The state now has a two-week deadline to review the plan and determine if it complies with state legislation.
