Almarante Fire District

The meeting agenda included the review of December minutes and the Treasurer's Financial report, noting current balances for the Business account ($26,288.35) and Impact account ($7,391.01). Old Business items covered the price adjustment for Old Attack 55, the status of the Engine 55/Brush 53 Grant submission for a 50/50 match, training courses, nomination for Board seats, an update on First due, and an update on the punch list for the new Attack 51. New Business involved processing two certified letters regarding a Workers Compensation Claim for a former member, with all paperwork submitted to Coggins Insurance and a claim number received.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as the election of a treasurer, updates on applications for appropriations, and the purchase of an adjoining lot to the Almarante Fire Station. There was also discussion regarding uniforms, a toolbox for Brush 53, and an approved grant for Scott-Packs. A commissioner's resignation was accepted, and a new secretary was appointed. The board discussed CPA audit recommendations, QuickBooks, accounting procedures, and a proposal for services from Edward Chapman Accounting. Other topics included equipment testing, station repairs, a station pride date, a fundraiser event, the disposal of unusable gear, and training and ISO ratings for tanker shuttles. The board also approved ESO and FLO MSP invoices.

The Almarante Fire District's FY 2021 budget was reviewed and approved. The budget is based on projected income from fire assessments on residences, businesses, and vacant acreage, with no rate changes for the fiscal year. Budget appropriations include fees and dues, legal/attorney fees, insurance, fuel, utilities, administrative and office supplies, vehicle maintenance, station/building maintenance, training, firefighter incentives, capital equipment, prior year carryover, and a reserve fund for a future second fire station.

The Almarante Fire District meeting included discussions on the financial report, old business regarding a former chief's public comments and potential ethics violations, and the Dorcas Fire contract. The board also discussed a submittal of appropriation request for replacement of Attack 51. New business included Chiefs and Firefighters incentive, hose and ladder testing, and reimbursement from Dorcas Fire District calls for service. Elections of Commissioners Officers positions were held. The Chief's Report included an insurance quote and a Purchasing Procurement Policy presentation. The board also discussed retrofitting the 2017 Ford Expedition and public comments on property adjoining Almarante's property. Service calls and CPA update were also discussed.

The meeting included discussions on the Thanksgiving dinners giveaway, the appointment of a new Fire Commissioner, and the status of the State Air pack grant. The board discussed receiving a vehicle from the Okaloosa County Sherrif's office and the disposition of one of the old vehicles. The board also discussed a payment request for Engine 54. The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners amended the Dorcas contract term, and the renewal of the interlocal agreement was presented. The board discussed the future of agreements between Dorcas and Almarante regarding response time. A Purchasing/Procurement SOP draft was presented and tabled for review in January. The board also discussed a new box for the brush truck and legislative appropriations for an attack truck replacement.