Board of Trustees                                June 20, 2024 

 
The Board of Trustees for West Blount Fire and Emergency Medical Services District met at Fire Station No. 1 on June 20, 2024, the meeting was opened by Jamie Hufstutler, Vice-Chair, with prayer by Danny Smith.  There were four trustees present, plus JJ Ivey, Chief, Christie Moore, Treasurer, and Stacy Quinn, Billing Manager.            

The minutes of the May 9, 2024, meeting were accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.  

Financial report – The operating balance for May 2024 was $392,723.19.  Total income was $35,872.88, with dues of $34,615.06.  Total expenses were $60,394.65 with payroll of $32,262.47, repair and maintenance of $13,699.96.  Upcoming known large expenses include insurance of $5,686.75 due August 6, and November 6.
     It was suggested to have someone do a cost analysis on the office work, and possibly streamline routines and duties to reduce costs.                       
     The financial report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.      

Chief’s Report – Total calls for May were 123, including 11 out-of-area (1 – Mt.  High/Ricetown; 6 – Bangor;  3 – Locust Fort/Dallas-Selfville; 1 – Nectar/Cleveland): 72 medical, 3 structure fire, 9 auto accident, 8 fire alarm, 3 vehicle fire, 18 public service, 3 wild fire, 2 fire other, 5 tree down.  Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 62; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 54; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 4; Sta. 4, Nyota, 3.

The following was also reported:
    Plans are being started on compiling information to get the state law changed governing fire districts only in Blount County.  Mainly to change the levelized billing system. Other fire departments will need to be involved because it will require a county-wide vote.  David Standridge has already expressed cooperation and help in getting this put through the Legislature.  
    Repair work on 1991 is complete and engine back in service
    Employee update:  Tyler Sweatman has been hired; John Converse, Jr was hurt off the job and will be off shift for a couple of months
    Challenge Coins, with West Blount’s station logo, will be purchased, 300 for $800, for promotional purposes  
    The need for a backup rescue vehicle was expressed; currently there isn’t one, which does cause problems when the rescue vehicle is out of service
    Currently there are 8 vehicles at Sta. 1, 2 at Sta. 2, 2 at Sta. 3, 2 at Sta. 4:  this inventory will be checked to determine usage by the department to save money on upkeep and maintenance; those that are not essential will be offered for sale, i.e. 1971 ladder truck and 1954 tanker
      
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.

Old Business

Billing Update – The attorneys at the end of May had a total of 252 accounts for collection, with 1 account paid in full.  There was a check received from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) in the amount of $1,508 44 for May collections, with total received to date of $229.731.27. 

West Blount Fire Board – June 20, 2024                            Page 2

There was 1 new account added.  Fire dues received in May was $23,541.39 in checks or cash, $10,593.67 in Credit/Debit card, $660 dues credit settlement in April but posted in May, plus $175 assessment fees, $200 donations, $952.73 insurance reimbursement. Total collected for May was $36,122.93 [income from May 2023 was $34,436.05]. Total collected for the year was $485,271.37 [income from 2023 was $448,181.77].                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
     There were 3,606 accounts invoiced.  There are 2,603 accounts paid in full. At the end of May there are 72% of accounts paid in full, compared to 76% in 2023.    

     Stacy Quinn is working with MSN to reconcile all collection accounts to date.
     Currently printing the mid-year statements and sending out 30-day letter for potential collection accounts and dues that will be added to any current liens.  There are 42 people who have ignored letters from MSN, they will be getting letters notifying them of lien placement on their property.     

Third Party Billing – In May, $952.73 was received.  For claims denied by insurance companies, direct billing to individuals not residents of our district has been put in place. 

Blount Springs – The Blount Springs HOA will be taking ownership of the water system.  When all paperwork is complete, they will proceed with needed work to correct the water problems.

New Business 

July 4th – The Community Celebration will be held again this year.  The fire department will again provide free ice cream.

End of Year Recognition Dinner – Usually held on the first Friday in December, the date will be determined at the next board meeting. 

There was a discussion concerning refunding late fees. A policy will be formulated and presented next meeting. 

There was also a discussion on liens that are more than 10 years old (we are a little over a year away from this event), at which time they will need to be refiled.  This will also be on the agenda for next meeting.   

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM on motion by Danny Smith.

Present                                
Dolores Fort                     
Mark Giddy            
Jamie Huffstutler
Danny Smith                        
JJ Ivey                
Christie Moore
Stacy Quinn                        
                            Dolores Fort                                                     Secretary