Board of Trustees November 10, 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 November 10, 2022, the meeting began at 6:20 PM led by Greg Reid, Chair. Four trustees were present, plus Zac Williams for JJ Ivey, Melissa Thomas, Treasurer, and Erin Edwards, Billing Manager.
The minutes of the October 13, 2022, meeting were accepted on motion by Marty Stover, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Financial report – The operating balance for September 2022 was $297,973.60. Total income was $11,719, with dues of $11,288.10. Total expenses were $48,089.71 with payroll of $30,283.55, and repair and maintenance of $8,835.04. The financial report was accepted on motion by Marty Stover, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Chief’s Report
Total calls for October were 125, including 4 out-of-area (2 – Mt. High / Ricetown; 1 – Bangor; 1 Nectar / Cleveland): 68 medical, 1 structure fire, 16 auto accident, 14 fire alarm, 2 vehicle fire, 15 public service, 5 wild fire, 2 fire other, 2 tree down. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 52; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 61; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 8; Sta. 4 Nyota, 4.
Also reported that the grant money for the radios finally came in this week
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 October have a total of 263 accounts, six were paid in full. There was a check in the amount of $2,603 65 received from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) for October collections, with totals of $24,967.44 collected in 2022, and $167,541.83 since first turned over to MSN. There was one new account added in October. Fire dues received in October was $8,958 65 checks, $2,297.50 Credit/Debit card and $76.95 fees, plus $315 assessment fees, and other income of $390, totaling $11,678.09 [income from October 2021 was $9,925.35]. Total collected for 2022 is $546,590.95. There are 708 accounts in the system with a balance totaling $296,900.68 at the end of October, which includes all outstanding dues from the beginning. So far this year, there is 80% participation of dues payment. As of October 31 there were 2,858 accounts paid in full, 708 with a balance, and 217 inactive.
Christmas Dinner – Sandra Sowder, Freight House in Hartselle, got back with Dolores, there was a 9% increase over last year, new price will be $34.88 per plate, plus we will give 20% gratuity. They are providing everything, including serving. We are tax exempt.
Christmas Parade – JJ Ivey met with Chief James Chapman today, who will provide more deputies and security. Sheriff Moon will be sending ten deputies to help. We currently have twelve light towers and need eight more to fully light the parade route for all to have a better view of the parade. These lights will cost about $2,000. Dolores Fort moved, seconded by Marty Stover, to rent the lights and replace the money with any donations received. Motion passed.
West Blount Fire Board – November 10, 2022 Page 2
Board Appointment – Marty Stover nominated Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Dolores Fort, as Trustee to serve the remainder of the term of Annette Cox, who resigned. Jamie was unanimously elected. He was present and accepted the position.
With all open positions filled, the letter to the County Commission will be sent for them to make the following appointments at their December business meeting:
Jamie Huffstutler to complete Annette Cox’s term ending November 30, 2025
Danny Smith to complete Greg Reid’s term ending November 30, 2026
Dolores Fort for a five-year term ending November 30, 2027
Blount Springs – An update from the engineer included work is being done on the main valve. Jamie Huffstutler is a resident of Blount Springs and will act as liaison for the board.
New Business
Executive Session – The Chair called for an executive session. All board members agreed. After the executive session had concluded, the board reconvened. Marty Stover moved, seconded by Dolores Fort, to hire Jeff Logan, an investigative firm, to do background checks on all future administrative hires and those hired within the last sixty days. Motion carried.
Announcements – The next Board meeting will be Thursday, January 12, 2023, 6:00 PM at Fire Station No. 1.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 PM on motion by Marty Stover.
Present Not Present
Dolores Fort Annette Cox
Mark Giddy JJ Ivey (recruit school)
Greg Reid
Marty Stover
Zac Williams
Melissa Thomas
Erin Edwards
Guests
Billy Giddy
Jamie Huffstutler
Danny M. Smith
Timothy Sosebee
And 4 firefighters
Dolores Fort
Secretary