Board of Trustees October 10, 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 October 10, 2024, the meeting was opened by Marty Stover, Chair, with prayer by Danny Smith. There were four trustees present, with Jamie Huffstutler by phone, plus Christie Moore, Treasurer and Stacy Quinn, Billing Manager.
The minutes of the September 19, 2024, meeting were accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.
Financial report – The operating balance for August 2024 was $178,533.36. Total income was $29,672.15, with dues of $5,909.71 and sale of equipment of $20,000. Total expenses were $155,205.42, including payroll of $35,913.53, repair and maintenance og $8,654.69, and CD of $100,000 . Upcoming large expenses due in November are for insurance of $5,686.75.
The financial report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.
Chief’s Report – Total calls for September were 150, including 9 out-of-area (1 – Mt. High/Ricetown; 7 – Bangor; 0 – Locust Fort/Dallas-Selfville; 1 – Nectar/Cleveland): 69 medical, 4 structure fire, 23 auto accident, 7 fire alarm, 2 vehicle fire, 15 public service, 7 wild fire, 13 fire other, 14 tree down. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 65; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 70; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 12; Sta. 4, Nyota, 7.
The following was also reported:
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The ladder truck (1971) was sold for $20,000
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The chief went to Hayden Town Council October 8 meeting and received a check for $2500 to help fund the Christmas Parade
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A claim has been filed for the damaged tools, approved by insurance, and a check for over $7,000 has been received, waiting on parts.
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Budget for the Christmas Parade in the amount of $5,500 was presented. So far there are 7 sponsors donating a total of $5,500. This money will be a separate line item in the financial report, and earmarked only for the Christmas Parade.
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One of the original West Blount fire trucks has been donated to the department by Pat and Mac McAllister, the Sugar Creek Music Club. Pat’s father was the owner, used for his summer Bible camps to hose down the kids. Since his passing the McAllisters decided to give it back to our department. They will be holding fund raisers at the Music Club for the restoring of the engine.
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There are some budget items that will have a negative balance by the end of the year, and others that will have a positive balance. The positive balances will help to cover the negative balances so the total budget will not be in the negative at the end of year. These balances will assist in creating the budget for next year.
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Currently there are two potential buyers for the 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 September had 5 accounts paid in full. There was a check received from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) in the amount of $1,052.50 for September collections, with total received to date of $238.797.45. No new accounts added. Fire dues received in September was $1,206.25 in checks or cash, $4,543.47 in Credit/Debit card,
West Blount Fire Board – October 10, 2024 Page 2
$1,090 dues credit settlement in August but posted in September, plus $50 assessment fees, $452.84 landfill, $20,000 truck sale, and $2,329.59 other. Total collected for September was $28,582.15 [income from September 2023 was $23,758.97]. Total collected for the year was $576,658.40 [income from 2023 was $525,689.31].
There were 3,612 accounts invoiced. There are 2,802 accounts paid in full. There are 810 accounts with a balance. At the end of September there are 78% of accounts paid in full, compared to 81% in September 2023.
In order to save labor and time, purchase of a postage meter has been explored. Quadient is a company that would rent a machine for postage at a monthly rate. If we locked in a 2-3 year agreement, the first 6 months there would be no monthly rental. After discussion, a motion was made by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith, to enter an agreement for the postage meter. Motion passed.
On 2024 collections, 204 30-day letters were sent out in an attempt to collect past due balances. Of those, 114 either paid in full or established a payment plan. Over 90 accounts, totaling $16,898.31, were sent to MSM for collection.
Third Party Billing – There were no reimbursement checks received in September.
Blount Springs – The Blount County Water Authority October 5th board meeting was cancelled because of a family death. They are rescheduling their appointment.
Email vote for CD – A motion was made by Dolores Fort, seconded by Jamie Huffstutler, via email to purchase a CD for $100,000 and change the checking account to a Summit interest-bearing account. Motion passed with 4 Yes and 1 not voting. Mark Giddy moved to accept this motion and result, seconded by Danny Smith. Motion passed.
New Business
Board Vacancy – Place 5, Marty Stover, term ends November 30, 2024. A letter will have to be sent to the County Commission for appointment to this position. Mark Giddy moved, seconded by Danny Smith, to return Marty to the board. Motion carried.
Current Board – Place 1 – James Huffstutler, term ends 11/30/2025
Place 2 – Daniel Smith – term ends 11/30/2026
Place 3 – Dolores Fort – term ends 11/30 2027
Place 4 – Mark Giddy – term ends 11/30 2028
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM on motion by Mark Giddy.
Present Not Present
Dolores Fort JJ Ivey
Mark Giddy
Jamie Huffstutler (by phone)
Danny Smith
Marty Stover
Christie Moore
Stacy Qluinn Dolores Fort
Secretary