Board of Trustees April 11, 2024
The Board of Trustees for West Blount Fire and Emergency Medical Services District met at Fire Station No. 1 on April 11, 2024, the meeting was opened at 6:03 PM by Marty Stover, Chair, with prayer by Danny Smith. All five trustees were present, plus JJ Ivey, Chief, Melissa Thomas, Treasurer, and Stacy Quinn and Christie Moore, Billing Managers.
The minutes of the March 14, 2024, meeting were accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Danny Smith.
Financial report – The operating balance for March 2024 was $391,673.12. Total income was $106,535.26, with dues of $111,546.96. Total expenses were $52,844.39 with payroll of $29,774.59, repair and maintenance of $6,369.89, insurance of $7,908.43. Upcoming known large expenses include insurance of $5,686.75 due May 6, August 6, and November 6.
The financial report was accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Danny Smith.
Chief’s Report – Total calls for March were 124, including 11 out-of-area (2 – Mt. High/Ricetown; 3 – Bangor; 1 – Locust Fort/Dallas/Selfville; 4 – Nectar/Cleveland; 1- Cullman): 65 medical, 2 structure fire, 13 auto accident, 9 fire alarm, 2 vehicle fire, 13 public service, 9 wild fire, 10 fire other, 1 tree down. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 64; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 51; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 6; Sta. 4, Nyota, 3.
The following was also reported:
Paperwork was submitted for Homeland security grant for $18,000 for Haz-Mat equipment, may know something by July
Pump was purchased for engine 1981 at a cost of $5,300, also purchased hose and reel
Still waiting on news about FEMA grant applied for in January
Pump test will be in May at an approximate cost of $1,000
Hose and ladder test will be this month, approximate cost $4,000
1991 is still in the shop waiting on parts
Binders were presented to each board member containing information describing our department, they were put together by our Billing Managers
We have 10 volunteers currently being trained by Brad Ivey, will need helmets and boots for each of them
Barn behind station is finished
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Danny Smith..
Old Business
Billing Update – The attorneys at the end of March had a total of 257 accounts totaling $159,306.42 for collection, with 5 accounts paid in full. There was a check received from MSN
(Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) in the amount of $2,627.44 for March collections with totals of $5,306.86 collected in 2024, and $226,149.83, since first turned over to MSN. There were 5 new accounts and 17 reactivated accounts added. There were 18 applications for exemptions approved by the board at the March meeting, for a total of 65 equaling $9,750 exemption
adjustment, plus 1 denied. Fire dues received in March was $80,741.96 in checks or cash, $29,975 Credit/Debit card plus $175 assessment fees, $195 insurance reimbursement, $35.01
West Blount Fire Board – April 11, 2024 Page 2
donations, $462.83 landfill. Total collected for March was $111,584.90 [income from March 2023 was $135,595.14]. Total collected for the year was $373,135.46 [income from 2023 was $358,375.68].
There were 3,604 accounts invoiced. There are 2,214 accounts paid in full. At the end of March there are 61.4% of accounts paid in full, compared to 69% in 2023.
The Business Office Policy and Procedures Manual is in progress. It is expected to be able to have more time to work on the manual going into the next quarter with decreased billing activity.
Computer/Printer purchase – The computer and printer that were approved last meeting were purchased along with necessary accessories for a total of $690.32.
Third Party Billing – $195 was received in March. There were two claims denied by the insurance companies (Alfa and Progressive), and five claims that are unbillable, either lack of coverage or no insurance at all. We are waiting on two checks that have been issued by State Farm totaling $952.73. There are four claims pending waiting on a decision totaling $4,824.11.
Because of the denial of the insurance companies and the expense involved to the department for each incident, it was suggested that we direct bill those that are out of our area and those in our area that do not pay their fire dues. A new resolution will need to be drawn up and brought to the next board meeting for discussion and disposition.
Blount Springs – no report
New Business
Resignation – A letter was received from Melissa Thomas resigning as Treasurer of the department effective June 30. Dolores Fort made a motion, seconded by Mark Giddy, to accept this resignation with great regrets.
Backup Program – We currently are paying Edgewire $75 a month to backup all computer programs. This process can be done in house and save us that expense. Jamie Huffstutler made a motion, seconded by Danny Smith, to cancel Edgewire. Motion carried. Shae Layton will be contacted to get the new backup going.
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, May 9, 2024, 6:00 PM at Fire Station No. 1.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 PM on motion by Jamie Huffstutler.
Present
Dolores Fort
Mark Giddy
Jamie Huffstutler
Danny Smith
Marty Stover
JJ Ivey
Melissa Thomas
Stacy Quinn Dolores Fort
Christie Moore Secretary