Board of Trustees                                October 12, 2023 

 
The Board of Trustees for West Blount Fire and Emergency Medical Services District met at Fire Station No. 1 on October 12, 2023, the meeting was opened at 6:00 PM by Marty Stover, Chair, with prayer by Danny Smith.  All trustees were present, plus JJ Ivey, Fire Chief, Melissa Thomas, Treasurer, and Stacy Quinn, Billing Manager, plus Clay Jones and Jackson Abbett.  There were two guests.          

The minutes of the September 14, 2023 meeting were accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Jamie Huffstutler.  

Financial report – The operating balance for September 2023 was $330,001.93.  Total income was $23,525.17, with dues of $11,796.47.  Total expenses were $51,730.77 with payroll of $29,088.65, repair and maintenance of $11,199.24.      
     The financial report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.      

Chief’s Report – Total calls for September were 117, including 8 out-of-area (5 – Mt.  High/Ricetown; 2 – Bangor;  0 – Nectar/Cleveland; 0 – Locust Fort/Dallas/Selfville; 1 – Cullman): 75 medical, 2 structure fire, 4 auto accident, 6 fire alarm, 4 vehicle fire, 19 public service, 3 wild fire, 4 fire other, 0 tree down.  Breakdown by station = Sta. 1 Hayden, 51; Sta. 2 Smoke Rise, 57; Sta. 3 Sugar Creek, 7; Sta. 4, Nyota, 2.

The following was also reported:
      Sta. 2 renovation is complete with just minor caulk and paint needed
      Lockers were requested for Station 1 and Station 2.  Three will be purchased for station 1 and six for station 2
      A TV will be purchased using the donated funds received specified to be used for the benefit of the firefighters. 
      Two items of equipment will be surplused, Gator (ATV) and 2007 Dodge Durango.  On motion by Dolores Fort, seconded by Mark Giddy, the Durango will be advertised for $5000, to accept not less than $3500, and the Gator for $2500 to accept not less than $2000
       The 3/4 – ton pickup will be put off until next year
       A 100%, no matching funds ALEA/Homeland Security Grant was received in the amount of $44,722, which will be used to purchase a 2023 Ford F150 pickup, which will be used for a command support vehicle.  The only cost incurred will be for vehicle outfitting, which is estimated at $5000 (this could be offset by the surplus of the Durango and Gator).  Estimated delivery of the truck is between October 15 and October 22.  Payment for the truck will be made by WBFD upfront with reimbursement within 60-90 days.
 
The Chief’s report was accepted on motion by Mark Giddy, seconded by Danny Smith.

Old Business

Billing Update – The attorneys at the end of September had a total of 302 accounts totaling $179,567.98 for collection, with 13 accounts paid in full.  There was a check received from MSN (Massey, Stotser, & Nicholas) in the amount of $3,379.51 for September collections with totals of $19,957.95 collected in 2023, and $205,613.53 since first turned over to MSN.   There were 3 
West Blount Fire Board – October 12, 2023                            Page 2

new accounts added in September.  There are currently 134 accounts on a payment plan.  There were no exemptions in September, leaving total exemptions for this year at 97 approved, representing dues of $14,550, and 8 denied.  Applications for exemptions are closed until 
January 1, 2024, for the new fiscal year.  Fire dues received in September was $9,531.49 in checks or cash, $2,107.50 Credit/Debit card plus $325 assessment fees, and other income of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
$20 personal donation, $11,500 grant, and $274.98 MSN collection fee.  Total collected for September was $23,758.97 [income from 2022 was $7,232.49] and total income for 2023 is $523,687.75.  There are 678 accounts in the system with a balance totaling $316,954.02 as of September 30, 2023, which includes all outstanding dues from the beginning.  So far this year there is 82% participation of dues payment.  As of the end of September there were 2,902 accounts paid in full, 678 with a balance and 3,580 billed to date. 

Fourth quarter past due invoices have been sent out within the last two weeks. 

Third Party Billing – Update for the period May 18 to October 4, 2023:
    Total incidents submitted            20
    Incidents collected                9
    Incidents denied                1
    Incidents unbillable                3
    Incidents in progress            7
    Amount billed                $9,703.46
    Payment received                $2,563.15
    Payment mailed (10/04/23)        $553.09
    Total recovery received            $3,116.24
One incident was denied by Alfa.  Three incidents were unbillable (no insurance, no claim filed by insured).  

Blount Springs – Gene and Kellie Persall, residents of Blue Hole, were present and shared information with the board.  The hydrants do not work.  Mr. Tullis is committed to do what they can to correct the situation.  When Blue Hole was first established they were under Mt. High/Rock Springs Water Authority, they received their water from Cullman through an 8-inch line down County Road 5.  At that time there were no major problems with the water or hydrants.  When Mt. High/Rock Springs dissolved and Blount County Water took over, their water system was connected to 3-inch line, and no longer received water from Cullman.   
   
Christmas Parade – Tuesday, December 5, is the date set for the parade.  Last year the cost of the light towers were $3300 for over 20 lights.  The Town of Hayden has given the department $2500 toward the cost of the lights. 

Christmas Dinner – Sandra Sowder from Freight House Catering in Hartselle has been contacted and arrangements made for this year’s dinner which will be Friday, December 1, to be held in the Hayden Methodist Church Family Life Center.  The menu will be the same as last year, for 100 people.  She will get back with Dolores with the cost.  

New Business – 

Chili / Soup Cook-Off – an invitation was received from the Smoke Rise HOA for any firefighter to enter the cook-off which will be Saturday, October 28.  Entry fee is $15.00.

 West Blount Fire Board – October 12, 2023                            Page 3

The next Board meeting will be Thursday, November 9, 2023, 6:00 PM at Fire Station No. 1.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM on motion by Jamie Huffstutler

Present                                         
Dolores Fort                                  
Mark Giddy    
Jamie Huffstutler                        
Danny Smith                                
Marty Stover                
JJ Ivey
Melissa Thomas                    
Stacy Quinn
Clay Jones
Jackson Abbett

Guest List 
Gene & Kellie Pursall    

                        Dolores Fort     
                        Secretary