Board of Trustees October 9, 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 October 9, 2025, the meeting was opened at 6:00 PM by Jamie Huffstutler,
Vice Chair, who presided until the arrival of the chair. Prayer was offered by Danny Smith. All
trustees were present with Mark Giddy on the phone, plus Clay Jones, Chief, Christie Moore,
Treasurer, Stacy Quinn, Billing Manager, and Zac Williams, Asst. Chief. Five guests signed the
attendance sheet.
The minutes of the September 11, 2025, meeting were accepted on motion by Danny Smith,
seconded by Dolores Fort.
Financial report – The operating balance for September 2025 was $110,502.86. Total income
was $18,834.96, with dues of $12,597.63. Total expenses were $50,822.31, including payroll of
$31,301.15, repair and maintenance of $1,085.98.
Research will be done to find a credit card that does cash back that would fit our
circumstances and conditions.
The financial report was accepted on motion by Danny Smiith, seconded by Jamie
Huffstutler.
Chief’s Report – Total calls for September 2025 were 154, including 12 out-of-area (9 – Bangor;
0 – Corner; 0 – Dallas-Selfville; 1 – Locust Fork; 3 – Mt. High/Ricetown; 0 – Nectar; 0 –
Warrior): 92 medical, 14 auto accident; 3 structure fire, 0 wild fire, 2 vehicle fire, 6 fire alarm, 0
fire other, 19 public service, 6 tree down, 0 HAZMAT. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden,
69; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 62; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 7; Sta. 4, Nyota, 3.
The following was also reported:
Personnel – Kaden Bibby graduated recruit school and has been assigned to a relief shift
Apparatus – 1951 and 1991 both had four tires replaced. A Camper Shell has been
ordered for the F-150, delivery date is expected October 10
Training – Alabama Fire College training audit was conducted by AFC and results for the
past 12 months were: 843 total training hours delivered; 50 certifications issued; 6
certification courses hosted
Grants/Funding – We did not receive the COWACO Grant for 2025, will reapply in the
Spring. We are moving forward with the FEMA AFG, will not know the results until mid-
summer 2026.
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Danny Smith, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Old Business
Billing Update – There was a check in the amount of $1,562.35 received from MSN (Massey,
Stotser, & Nicholas) for September collections, making a total of $251,313.25 received to date.
There were three new accounts added. Fire dues received in September was $7,484.85 in
checks or cash, $4,679.78 in Credit/Debit card. There were also $625 assessment fees,
$3,853.92 insurance reimbursement, $35 donations, $1,771.50 MSN fees, and $1,086.90 other
income. Total collected for September was $19,554.95 [income from September 2024 was
$28,582.15]. Total collected for the year was $633.265.82 [income from 2024 was $576,658.40].
West Blount Fire Board – October 9, 2025 Page 2
There were 3,647 accounts invoiced. There are 2,790 accounts paid in full. There are 857
accounts with a balance. At the end of September there are 77% of accounts paid in full,
compared to 78% in September 2024.
For the month of September $5,942.75 was collected by making phone calls to remind
people of their account balance Late fees in the amount of $225 were added to accounts that
established a payment plan, but failed to honor it. October billing (835 letters) for all past due
accounts has been sent out totaling $385,133.48; there are 42 outstanding invoices on a
payment plan.
The new software system with CNI will go live on October 27, 2025, ready in time for the
billing cycle for 2026.
2025 dues outstanding balance is $74,671.19 for 448 accounts, 58 of which are on a
payment plan.
Collections balances for 162 accounts total $62,821.72, 11 of which are on a payment plan.
Lien balances on 183 accounts total $227,176.21, with 15 on a payment plan.
There are 5 accounts in bankruptcy totaling $4,860.24, 3 of these are on a payment plan
through the court.
The goal for 2025 remains the same, collect 100% of delinquent and outstanding dues owed
for 2024-2025, which would end the year with a minimum of 89% paid in full.
Third Party Billing – Payments received this month were $1,399.71, making a total of
$26,579.16 for 2025. There are 29 invoices in Que.
Part of this money is set aside for our firefighters. On motion by Jamie Huffstutler,
seconded by Danny Smith, the bonuses for this year will increase 100%.
Blount Springs Water Update – Mr. Tullis is hiring an attorney to sue Blount County Water
Authority for not following through on the situation with the water in the community. The water
situation is now worse than it was before.
Year-End Recognition Dinner – The date has been set for Saturday, December 12, 2025, 6:00
PM to be held at West Blount Axe Throwing. The caterer will be Dowdle Gas and Pub. Steak
was requested to be on the menu.
Christmas Parade – Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with starting time 7:00 PM
New Business
Transport Service – Eric Pendley was introduced. He is the CEO of RPS (Regional Paramedics
Service) out of Gardendale. They provide transport service to various localities in the area,
mostly Gardendale and Fultondale. Mr. Pendley was present to inform us of his services and
the possibility of being available for our district. The major hurdle for most of the transport
companies is financial (which is the reason that Lifeguard is not renewing their contract with
Blount County). It is the intention of our department that we have coverage without having to
set up our own transport system, which is very expensive. We are looking for a co-op with other
departments in the surrounding area. It was mentioned that UAB possibly may create its own
ambulance service, but that is not a certainty. After much discussion, it was decided that by
exploring the possibility of joining with other departments around us we can hopefully come up
with a solution to the current situation of being without ambulance coverage. West Blount has
the highest count of transports in the county. We do not want our residents to not have
transportation when it is needed.
West Blount Fire Board – October 9, 2025 Page 3.
Thanks of Appreciation – Christy Harris, Hayden Councilwoman, thanked Chief Clay Jones with
his help in writing a grant for COWACO. She is sure that his help was instrumental in the Town
of Hayden receiving a $10,000 grant for the park at the Community Center.
Board Nomination – The five-year term of Jamie Huffstutler expires November 30, 2025. A
name must be submitted to the County Commission by their November 6, 2025 meeting for an
appointment that will take effect December 1, 2025. Danny Smith nominated Jamie Huffstutler
to return to the board. Dolores Fort seconded the nomination. The vote was unanimous. Jamie
accepted the nomination and election. A letter will be sent to the County Commission with the
above information requesting Jamie Huffstutler be reappointed to the West Blount Fire & EMS
District board.
The next board meeting will be Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6:00 PM at Station One.
The meeting was adjourned on motion by Jamie Huffstutler at 7:40 PM.
Present
Dolores Fort
Mark Giddy (by phone)
Jamie Huffstutler
Danny Smith
Marty Stover
Clay Jones
Christie Moore
Stacy Quinn
Zac Williams
Visitors
Scott Payne, Allgood Fire Department
Eric Pendley, CEO, RPS
Robin Earley, RPS
Christy Harris, Hayden Council member
Tera Lee
Dolores Fort
Secretary
