Board of Trustees February 9, 2023
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 February 9, 2023, the meeting was opened at 6:10 PM by Marty Stover, Chair, with prayer by Jamie Huffstutler. All trustees were present, plus Diane Cox, Billing Manager and Stacy Quinn, and JJ Ivey by phone.
The minutes of the January 12, 2023 meeting were accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Danny Smith.
Financial report – The operating balance for January 2023 was $330,855.39. Total income was $122,207.24 , with dues of $121,122.76. Total expenses were $39,657.07 with payroll of $28,386.88, and repair and maintenance of $4892.51 A suggestion was made that on large expenditures to have a more detailed description concerning that expenditure. The financial report was accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Chief’s Report
Total calls for January were 95, including 6 out-of-area (3 – Mt. High / Ricetown; 1 – Bangor; 1 Locust Fork / Dallas/Selfville; 1 – Nectar / Cleveland): 5 medical, 6 structure fire, 12 auto accident, 3 fire alarm, 3 vehicle fire, 6 public service, 3 wild fire, 7 fire other, 0 tree down. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 41; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 51; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 2; Sta. 4 Nyota, 1.
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Jamie Huffstutler.
Old Business
Billing Update – The attorneys at the end of January had a total of 244 accounts. There have been no checks received from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) so far in 2023. Six new accounts were added in January. There were 22 exemptions approved in January. Fire dues received in January was $114,853 in checks, $6,850 Credit/Debit card and $239.76 fees, plus $180 assessment fees, and other income of $$50 donation. Total collected for 2023 is $122,172.76 [income from 2022 was $138,009.33]. There are 2759 accounts in the system with a balance totaling $684,733.92 at the end of January, which includes all outstanding dues from the beginning. So far this year, there is 23% participation of dues payment. As of January 31 there were 809 accounts paid in full, 2,759 with a balance. Invoices for 2023 dues were mailed January 4, 2023, totaling $546,750.
Budget – A budget for 2023 in the amount of $517,000 was presented. There was a listing of items not included in the budget for capital projects for stations 1 and 2. Priorities of necessity will be established and divided throughout the year considering finances at the time. The budget was accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Danny Smith.
Fire Dues increase – More discussion and planning is needed. A chairman and committee will need to be established with plans in motion for the beginning of the year 2024. This will be discussed at each board meeting.
West Blount Fire Board – February 9, 2023 Page 2
Facebook – Courtney Huffstutler, Jamie’s daughter, has agreed to rebrand the department’s Facebook page for $150 a month. The initial setup will be $250, then $200 a month for four months for necessary boosting. Dolores Fort made a motion, seconded by Mark Giddy, to proceed. Motion passed.
Blount Springs – The meeting with Mr. Tullis did not take place in January. A meeting is set for February 16.
New Business
July 4th – If Hayden First Baptist Church decides to have the Community Celebration this year, the department will provide free ice cream again.
Personnel – Candidate for the Billing Manager position, Stacy Quinn, was introduced. She has been training for the past week working with Diane Cox. A background check is in progress. She introduced herself and mentioned that she has a special place for firefighters because of personal experiences that saved her life and that of her child. The five board members introduced themselves to Stacy giving some personal information about their relationship with the fire department.
Announcements – The next Board meeting will be Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6:00 PM at Fire Station No. 1.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM on motion by Danny Smith.
Present Not Present
Dolores Fort Melissa Thomas (sick)
Mark Giddy
Jamie Huffstutler
Danny Smith
Marty Stover
JJ Ivey (by phone)
Diane Cox
Stacy Quinn
1 firefighter
Dolores Fort
Secretary