Board of Trustees September 8, 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 September 8, 2022, the meeting began at 6:03 PM led by Greg Reid, Chair. Four trustees were present, plus JJ Ivey, Chief, Melissa Thomas, Treasurer, and Kimberly Williams, Billing Manager.
The minutes of the August 11, 2022, meeting were accepted on motion by Marty Stover, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Financial report – The operating balance for August 2022 was $364,342.88. Total income was $10,489.32, with dues of $7,433.51. Total expenses were $100,647.62 with payroll of $30,258.99, equipment $58,781.33 (which include $50,000 for the radios which we will get back), and repair and maintenance of $7,898.52. The report was accepted on motion by Marty Stover, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Chief’s Report
Total calls for August were 141, including 5 out-of-area (2 – Mt. High / Ricetown; 1 – Bangor; 2 – Locust Fork / Dallas/Selfville): 93 medical, 2 structure fire, 11 auto accident, 8 fire alarm, 22 public service, 1 wild fire, 4 fire other, 2 tree down. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 61; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 47; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 9; Sta. 4 Nyota, 1.
Also reported:
Three new firefighters have started rookie school on September 2nd
New engine update – the FEMA grant has already been extended another year, to end July 2023. The chassis company is having difficulty getting the needed materials. Tim Frye, Ricetown chief has called the company and was told he is supposed to receive his engine in July.
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Marty Stover, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Old Business
Billing Update – The attorneys at the end of August have a total of 269 accounts. There were no checks received from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) for August collections, with totals remaining the same as July, $20,719.79 collected in 2022, and $142,574.39 since first turned over to MSN. There were two new accounts added in August. Fire dues received in August was $5,568.50 in checks, $1,619 50 Credit/Debit card and $56.71 fees, plus $210 assessment fees, and other income of $2,680,35, Landfill & Insurance Reimbursement, totaling $10,134.56 [income from August 2021 was $23,674.47]. Total collected for 2022 is $527,680.37. There are 771 accounts in the system with a balance totaling $312,669.33 at the end of August, which includes all outstanding dues from the beginning. So far this year, there is 78% participation of dues payment. As of August 31 there were 2,794 accounts paid in full, 771 with a balance.
New Business
ISO Rating – A letter was received from ISO stating they had completed its analysis of the structural fire suppression delivery system provided in our community. Our previous rating was
West Blount Fire Board – September 8, 2022 Page 2
04/4X, the new rating would be 05/5X. The main areas of concern were some equipment, training, and water supply. The implementation of the class change will not be made yet, to give our department time to develop a program to retain our Prior Public Protection Classification.
Discussion was held about need for a station in the Blount Springs area. Currently there is a problem with the water system, and a question about where the station could be located. We are open to negotiations with the residents of Blue Hole to discuss the possibility of establishing a fifth station in their area. Building at Blount Springs would help overall.
Christmas Dinner – The date for the end of year recognition Christmas Dinner is Friday, December 2nd. Reservations for the Hayden United Methodist Church Family Life Center have been confirmed. We will be allowed to have the whole day if needed for setting up and getting everything ready. So far, Sandra Sowder of Freight House in Hartselle has not been contacted. Attempts will continue.
Christmas Parade – The first Tuesday, December 6, is the date. Warren Stewart has not been contacted, but he does have the date on his calendar.
Tanker/Pumper – A 3, 000 gallon, 1986 model currently owned by Kenny Booth, is available for $3,000. It would be housed at Station 4, but could be used for Blount Springs if a new station is built there. A motion was made by Dolores Fort, seconded by Mark Giddy to purchase the tanker with the understanding of getting a pump test. Motion passed.
Announcements – The next Board meeting will be Thursday, October 13, 2022, 6:00 PM at Fire Station No. 1.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 PM on motion by Marty Stover.
Present Not Present
Dolores Fort Annette Cox
Mark Giddy
Greg Reid
Marty Stover
JJ Ivey
Melissa Thomas
Kimberly Williams
There were 4 firefighters present
Dolores Fort
Secretary
