Board of Trustees January 12, 2023
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 12, 2023, the meeting began at 6:00 PM led by Marty Stover, Vice-Chair. All trustees were present, plus JJ Ivey, Fire Chief, Melissa Thomas, Treasurer, and Diane Cox, Billing Manager.
The minutes of the November 10, 2022, meeting were accepted on motion by Jamie Huffstutler, seconded by Mark Giddy.
Financial report – The operating balance for November 2022 was $311,477.74. Total income was $62,510.63, with dues of $11,566.45. Total expenses were $49,006.49 with payroll of $29,614.10, and repair and maintenance of $7,335.10. The operating balance for December 2022 was $248,305.22. Total income was $317,002.61, with dues of $15,808.46 and grant of $300,000. Total expenses were $380,175.13 with payroll of $30,644.01 and repair and maintenance of $9,723.33. The financial report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Jamie Huffstutler.
Chief’s Report
Total calls for November were 112, including 6 out-of-area (4 – Mt. High / Ricetown; 1 – Locust Fork / Dallas/Selfville; 1 Nectar / Cleveland): 66 medical, 5 structure fire, 7 auto accident, 6 fire alarm, 2 vehicle fire, 15 public service, 7 wild fire, 2 fire other, 2 tree down. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 56; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 52; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 2; Sta. 4 Nyota, 2. Total calls for December were 139, including 9 out-of-area (4 – Mt. High / Ricetown; 3 – Bangor; 1 – Nectar / Cleveland; 1 - Warrior): 81 medical, 5 structure fire, 23 auto accident, 8 fire alarm, 3 vehicle fire,11 public service, 5 wild fire, 3 tree down. Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 67; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 63; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 6; Sta. 4, Nyota, 3.
The following was also reported:
The 911 Director has resigned, and there are problems with the new radio system
Two applications have been received for the billing manager’s position. The background checks will be started soon
A proposed budget of $517,000 was submitted, which will be discussed and voted on next meeting
We now have an EMS officer, Zac Williams, and an office is needed for him, which means work needs to be done at Station 1
Need was expressed for an increase in the fire dues because of increased costs of equipment and the necessity of pay for firefighters to be competitive with surrounding paid fire departments. This would require a vote of those in our fire district, just like the one that started the district, with the intent to get on the ballot in one of the elections of 2024, which will be ten years after the first vote. There is a large amount of work and time involved in this endeavor, and efforts would need to start as soon as possible to get the word out as to the need for this increase. We are at a disadvantage because of lack of local avenues of communication. Jamie Huffstutler’s daughter is very knowledgeable with Facebook, he will talk with her about setting something up for this effort.
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith
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West Blount Fire Board – January 12, 2023 Page 2
Old Business
Billing Update – The attorneys at the end of November have a total of 249 accounts, sixteen were paid in full. There was a check in the amount of $3,196.52 received from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) for November collections, with totals of $28,163.96 collected in 2022, and $170,711.35 since first turned over to MSN. No new accounts were added in November. Fire dues received in November was $7,323 50 checks, $3,987.50 Credit/Debit card and $140.45 fees, plus $90 assessment fees, and other income of $51,455.78 ($4,758.63 Blount Co Fire & EMS, $578 Fire and Rescue Billing, $49,199.16 radio reimbursement, $20 donation, $1,000 4 football games @ $250 each), totaling $63,177.23 [income from November 2021 was $20,519.48]. Total collected for 2022 is $609,768.18. There are 655 accounts in the system with a balance totaling $283,729.68 at the end of November, which includes all outstanding dues from the beginning. So far this year, there is 81.6% participation of dues payment. As of November 30 there were 2,910 accounts paid in full, 655 with a balance, and 218 inactive.
The attorneys at the end of December have a total of 244 accounts, five were paid in full. There were two checks in the amounts of $1,240.26 and $57.50 received from MSN for December collections, with totals of $29,461.72 collected in 2022, and $172,009.11 since first turned over to MSN. Six new accounts were added in December. Fire dues received in December was $9,046.25 checks, $634.50 Credit/Debit card and $222.21 fees, plus $195 assessment fees, and other income of $300,445 ($425 Fire and Rescue billing, $20 donation, $300,000 truck grant), totaling $316,253.46 [income from December 2021 $18,395.49]. Total collected for 2022 is $926,021.64. There are 572 accounts in the system with a balance totaling $267,830.94 at the end of December, which includes all outstanding dues from the beginning. This year there is 84% participation of dues payment. As of December 31 there were 2,996 accounts paid in full, 572 with a balance, and 221 inactive.
Blount Springs – Jamie Huffstutler reported that the architect and engineer are coming in to meet with Mr. Tullis sometime the week of January 16 to 20. Members of the board will be notified of the time and location.
Correspondence – Letters were received from the Blount County Commission, signed by Chairman Chris Green, announcing the appointments to the West Blount Fire Board of Trustees of Jamie Huffstutler to complete the unexpired term of Annette Cox ending December 2025, Danny Smith to complete the unexpired term of Greg Reid ending December 2026, and Dolores Fort to a term of five years ending December 2027.
New Business
Election of Officers – The following slate of officers was nominated:
Chairman – Marty Stover, nominated by Dolores Fort, seconded by Jamie Huffstutler
Vice Chairman – Jamie Huffstutler, nominated by Dolores Fort, seconded by Danny Smith
Secretary – Dolores Fort, nominated by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith
The above slate was unanimously elected to serve for the ensuing year.
Announcements – The next Board meeting will be Thursday, February 9, 2023, 6:00 PM at Fire Station No. 1.
West Blount Fire Board – January 12, 2023 Page 3
The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 PM on motion by Danny Smith.
Present Not Present
Dolores Fort
Mark Giddy
Jamie Huffstutler
Danny Smith
Marty Stover
JJ Ivey
Melissa Thomas
Diane Cox
Guests
Billy Giddy
And 2 firefighters
Dolores Fort
Secretary