Board of Trustees January 20, 2022
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 January 20, 2022, the meeting began at 7:10 PM led by Greg Reid, Chair. Two Trustees were present plus JJ Ivey, Chief, Melissa Thomas, Treasurer, and Diane Cox and Lisa Morgan, Billing Managers. Since there was no quorum present, decisions and motions were not presented, but reports were given.
The minutes of the November 11, 2021 meeting were read.
Financial report – The operating balance for November 2021 was $306,794. Total receipts were $14,576.88, including dues of $11,838.53. Total expenses were $43,438.96, including payroll of $27,327.67. The operating balance for December 2021 was $287,694.35. Total receipts were $24,417.61, including dues of $24,124.72. Total expenses were $43,517.26, including payroll of $25,603.37, and repair and maintenance of $4,996.86, and equipment of $5,100.55.
Chief’s Report
Total calls for 2021 were 1600
The generators have been installed at Stations 1 and 2
Volunteer training in 160 class is on-going, with so far 100% passing
The Oneonta Christmas Parade has been moved to the second Tuesday in December
Plans for selling 1951 engine, estimated $20,000 receipt
2022 proposed budget in the amount of $513,000 was presented
Proposed plans for pay and benefits presented: six paid holidays, paid vacation for full and part time firefighters; and 10% pay increase for all levels
Suggestion made to look into the possibility of getting local law pertaining to Blount County Fire Districts changed to allow for tiered billing. Rep. David Standridge has been contacted and said he would be willing to help. The entire process would probably take four years to get passed through the Legislature.
Another suggestion was to raise annual fire dues, which would take the same process followed to establish the fire district in 2014; signatures would have to be gathered and it would be voted on by the district at any election in the year proposed, again a possible 4- year time frame for completion.
Old Business
Billing Update – At the end of November 2021 there were three total CLA’s (conditional lien agreements) on file, with two paying the current year and one paying 2020 and 2021 dues. All had paid off the amount that was owed when they signed the agreement giving them a year to pay off the balance. The attorneys have a total of 256 accounts, five paid in full and one pulled account because payment was received after sending. A check for $3,605.03 from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) was received for November collections, making a total of $30,305.95 collected in 2021, and $105,921.52 collected since first turned over to MSN. There were no new accounts added in November. There were 2 exemptions approved, making a total of 121 for the year. Fire dues received in November was $11,478.53 ($5,780.99 Credit/Debit card and $202.46 fees), plus $360 assessment fees, and $2,677.50 Insurance Reimbursement, and $20 donation, totaling $20,519.48 [income from November 2020 was $16,770.01]. Total collected for 2021 is $539,068.45. There are 654 accounts in the system with a balance totaling $263,471.13 at the end of November, which includes all outstanding dues from the beginning.
West Blount Fire Board – January 20, 2022 Page 2
There are 3,753 total accounts in the system. So far this year there has been 83% participation for payment of fire dues.
At the end of December 2021 there were no CLA’s (conditional lien agreements) on file. The attorneys have a total of 253 accounts, 3 paid in full. A check for $1,256.61 from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) was received for December collections, making a total of $31,562.56 collected in 2021, and $107,178.13 collected since first turned over to MSN. . There were no new accounts added in December. Exemptions approved for the year were 121, and 3 denied. Fire dues received in December was $13,039.77 ($4,531.99 Credit/Debit card and $158.73 fees), plus $240 assessment fees, and $425 Insurance Reimbursement, totaling $18,395.49 [income from December 2020 was $12,644.40]. Total collected for 2021 is $557,463.94. There are 522 accounts in the system with a balance totaling $246,463.88 at the end of December, which includes all outstanding dues from the beginning. There are 3,756 total accounts in the system. At the end of this year there has been 86% participation for payment of fire dues.
There is a new development planned for Holt Circle with approximately thirty dwellings.
Announcements – A letter was received from Commission Chairman Chris Green announcing the re-appointment of Greg Reid to the West Blount Fire & Emergency Medical Services District for five years, expiring December 2026.
The current Board consists of
Dolores Fort, term ends November 30, 2022
Billy Giddy, term ends November 30, 2023
Marty Stover, term ends November 30, 2024
Annette Cox, term ends November 30, 2025
Greg Reid, term ends November 30, 2026
The 7th Annual Christmas Celebration and Firefighter Recognition was well attended with over 75 people present. It was catered by Sandra Sowder of the Freight House in Hartselle, and held at Hayden United Methodist Church Family Life Center with a donation of $250. The menu was hamburger steak or chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls, tea and sheet cakes for $32 a plate. The event for 2022 will be Friday, December 2nd, with the same caterer and menu. The same plan as previous years will be followed.
Present Not Present
Dolores Fort Annette Cox
Greg Reid Billy Giddy
JJ Ivey Marty Stover
Melissa Thomas
Diane Cox
Lisa Morgan
2 firefighters signed as guests
Dolores Fort
Secretary
