Board of Trustees August 15, 2025
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 August 15, 2025, the meeting was opened at 5:37 PM by Marty Stover, Chair,
with prayer by Jamie Huffstutler. Three trustees were present, plus Clay Jones, Chief, Christie
Moore, Treasurer, Stacy Quinn, Billing Manager, and Mark Giddy by phone.
The minutes of the July 10, 2025, meeting were accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler,
seconded by Mark Giddy..
Financial report – The operating balance for July 2025 was $185,358.14. Total income was
$30,987.36, with dues of $25,359.36. Total expenses were $54,591.96, including payroll of
$30,537.53, repair and maintenance of $2,153.84.
The financial report was accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Chief’s Report – Total calls for July 2025 were 106, including 7 out-of-area (4 – Bangor; 0 –
Corner; 0 – Dallas-Selfville; 1 – Locust Fork; 2 – Mt. High/Ricetown; 0 – Nectar; 0 – Warrior):
60 medical, 8 auto accident; 1 structure fire, 2 wild fire, 1 vehicle fire, 7 fire alarm, 5 fire other,
10 public service, 5 tree down, 0 HAZMAT. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 46; Sta. 2
Smoke Rise, 41; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 11; Sta. 4, Nyota, 1.
The following was also reported:
Personnel: - Retirement contributions will begin January 9, 2026; all current employees
are immediately vested in the program; all future employees will have a five-year vesting
period. There has been one promotion – Alex Ferguson to the rank of Lieutenant.
Apparatus – upgrade current chief’s vehicle to the place of 1992 : camper shell for the F-
150 approximate cost of $4,354 and emergency lighting package costing approximately
$1,600. A motion was made by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Mark Giddy to allocate
up to $6,000 and proceed with the project. Motion passed. Still searching for new chief’s
vehicle.
Building/Maintenance Updates – Mold issue upstairs at Sta. 1, HVAC unit had undersized
duct work, undersized returns and floor vents in the ceiling which caused black mold to
develop. For $2,800 Polar Bear Services will put the appropriately sized returns and
duct work in along with ceiling diffusers. New insulation is also needed. Jamie
Huffstutler made a motion, seconded by Mark Giddy, to proceed with the repair work.
Motion carried.
Training – Kaden Bibby began recruit school on August 11, he is under a 3-year contract
with us. Still in the process of recovering training expenses from John Converse, Jr.,
who quit without working out his contract.
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutlder, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Old Business
Billing Update – There was a check in the amount of $152.50 received from MSN (Massey,
Stotser, & Nicholas) for July collections, making a total of $248,767.08 received to date. There
were three new accounts added. Fire dues received in July was $12,443.78 in checks or cash,
$8,391.59 in Credit/Debit card. There were also $50 assessment fees, $2,304.53 insurance
reimbursement, $3,020 donations, $424 landfill, $1,881.87MSN fees, and $1,949.42 other
income. Total collected for July was $30,987.36 [income from July 2024 was $14,482.46]. Total
collected for the year was $589.069.61 [income from 2024 was $481,366.46].
West Blount Fire Board – August 15, 2025 Page 2
There were 3,647 accounts invoiced. There are 2,768 accounts paid in full. There are 876
accounts with a balance. At the end of July there are 76% of accounts paid in full, compared to
76% in June 2024.
There were 129 accounts turned over to MSN for collections totaling $43,407.30. A
spreadsheet containing 60 accounts that are 10-year-old liens that need to be renewed has
been sent to MSN for preparation to be taken to the courthouse for renewal.
Electronic deposits are now being completed in the office for all check and money orders,
which will save time and money involved with bank trips.
A 911 addresses vs FDARS addresses audit has begun to cross reference in lieu of driving
around the territory. This will ensure that our records stay up to date and increase the possibility
of generating revenue with new accounts.
Updating of accounts shows the following results:
Bankruptcies – 5 accounts = $4,992.41; 3 on payment plan
Liens – 193 accounts = $239,266.84; 16 on a payment plan
Collections – 186 accounts = $72,727.40; 13 on a payment plan
Delinquent (owes 2024-2025) – 49 accounts = $16,020.54; 23 on a payment plan
Outstanding Balance for 2025 – 433 accounts = $67,028.09; 35 on a payment plan
Goal for 2025 – collect 100% of delinquent and outstanding dues owed for 2024-2025, which
would end the year with a minimum of 89% paid in full.
Research was conducted for a billing service that would meet our needs. Out of three
proposals, CNI Solutions out of Cullman was recommended to the board as being the best for
our needs and the most reasonable. There is an initial investment of $7,500, with monthly
charges of $820. A motion was made by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Mark Giddy, to accept
the above proposal. Motion carried.
Third Party Billing – Payments received July 11, 2025 of $2,304, making a total of $21,325.53
for 2025. There are 21 invoices in Que, 4 approved awaiting payment in the amount of
$3,853.92, expected receipt the first of September.
Blount Springs – The meeting with Jeff Carter of Blount County Water Authority did not go as
well as hoped. New pipe and water meter were put in, the pipe is 8 inches, but the valve to the
meter is only 3 inches. There is pressure, but not much volume.
Resolution with Hayden – Before the resolution can be presented to the Town Council for a
vote, a new town ordinance must first be established.
New Business
Billing vacant land/LLC – tabled to next meeting
Mt. High Fire Department - Five members of the Board of Trustees from Mt. High were present.
Jamie Huffstutler at 6:35 PM made a motion to adjourn the meeting and go into executive
session. Dolores Fort seconded, motion passed.
The next board meeting will be Thursday, September 11, 2025, 6:00 PM at Station One.
West Blount Fire Board – August 15, 2025 Page 2
Present Not present
Dolores Fort Danny Smith
Mark Giddy
Jamie Huffstutler
Marty Stover
Clay Jones
Christie Moore
Stacy Quinn
Whitney Eiland
Jo Young, Hayden Council member
5 from Mt. High Board of Trustees
Dolores Fort
Secretary
