Board of Trustees November 14, 2024
West Blount Fire & EMS District
The Board of Trustees for West Blount Fire and Emergency Medical Services District met at Fire Station No. 1 on November 14, 2024, the meeting was opened by Jamie Huffstutler, Vice Chair, with prayer by Danny Smith. All five trustees were present, with Marty Stover arriving shortly after the start on his way back from out-of-state work, plus Christie Moore, Treasurer, and Clay Jones, Asst. Chief.
The minutes of the October 10, 2024, meeting were accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.
Financial report – The operating balance for October 2024 was $142,524.33. Total income was $19,921.92, with dues of $8,069.68 and insurance reimbursement of $11,418.21. Total expenses were $55,930.95, including payroll of $36,863.17, and repair and maintenance of $1,748.96.
The financial report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.
Chief’s Report – Total calls for October were 148, including 10 out-of-area (1 – Mt. High/Ricetown; 1 – Bangor; 1 – Locust Fort/Dallas-Selfville; 6 – Nectar/Cleveland; 1 - Cullman): 84 medical, 4 structure fire, 27 auto accident, 8 fire alarm, 2 vehicle fire, 12 public service, 7 wild fire, 3 fire other, 1 tree down. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 68; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 70; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 7; Sta. 4, Nyota, 3. It was reported that Bangor has no working engine.
The following was also reported:
Ø Three recruits have finished recruit school
Ø New brakes on 1951 costing $3,500 (there were two issues responding to calls)
Ø “No parking” signs were added to the parking lot in front of the bays due to issues of individuals parking and blocking the ability of engines exiting or returning, incidents involved a fire fighter and a resident
Ø The 2025 budget is being worked on
Ø The Federal grant portal is now open for AFG Grants: 2 grants to apply for (1) equipment grant, and (2) truck grant, replace the oldest truck, $550,000, [paid when truck delivered], grant writer $2,500 [paid when grant awarded] We have an option of increasing our chances by agreeing to a 2.5% increase, making our share $62,500. A motion was made by Danny Smith, seconded by Jamie Huffstutler to go for the grants plus the 2.5% increase. Motion carried.
Ø Regional Grant through FEMA for new radios, to replace the current ones that do not work, in the amount of $1 million, with no cost to us; we will be the grant writer
Ø The damaged tools that were run over are still waiting on parts
Ø Green Tanker (1964) has been sold to Susan Moore Fire Department for $18,000
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.
Old Business
Billing Update – There was a check received from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) in the amount of $173 for October collections, with total received to date of $238.970.45. There were 13 accounts added. Fire dues received in October was $4,054.25 in checks or cash, $3,830.41 in Credit/Debit card,
West Blount Fire Board – November 14, 2024 Page 2
There were also $50 assessment fees, $11,418.21 insurance reimbursement, $714.03 attorney fees collected and $20 donation. Total collected for October was $19,921.92 [income from October 2023 was $21,411.94]. Total collected for the year was $594,980.28 [income from 2023 was $547,091.12].
There were 3,625 accounts invoiced. There are 2,854 accounts paid in full. There are 771 accounts with a balance. At the end of October there are 79% of accounts paid in full, compared to 83% in October 2023.
Third Party Billing – Two applications have been approved for payment totaling $1,155.18. Year-to-date approvals total $5,552. There are seven incidents waiting for approval totaling $5,848.05. Three accounts over a year old, totaling $4,019.34, have been sent to collections.
Of the money realized, 50% will be used to pay for bonuses for the year, and used as an incentive to submit accurate and correct reports for claims.
Blount Springs – There was a meeting with the architect attorney, engineers, water board and Jeff Carter. In June the hydrants were tested, some had no water, but some of the valves were turned off. Pressure is better, but would not support an engine. Elevation plays a part.
End-of-Year Recognition Dinner – Arrangements have been made with Dowdel Gas and Pub to cater. Set-up and decorating will be Friday, December 13 at 10 AM. Assistance will be greatly appreciated, especially for moving tables and chairs. Mark Giddy made a motion, seconded by Jamie Hufstutler, to authorize up to $5,000 for expenses. Motion passed.
New Business – none
The next board meeting will be Thursday, January 9, 2025, 6:00 PM at Station One.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM on motion by Mark Giddy.
Present Not Present
Dolores Fort JJ Ivey
Mark Giddy Stacy Quinn
Jamie Huffstutler
Danny Smith
Marty Stover
Christie Moore
Clay Jones
Dolores Fort
Secretary