Franklin Berggren

The board discussed several operational updates, including progress on the administration building renovation, site work for the training facility, and the acquisition of new brush trucks. An agreement with the Lee County Sheriff's Office regarding a drone launch station was approved. Financial items included the assignment of unassigned reserves from the previous fiscal year to the capital reserve, the adoption of a new fund balance policy, the approval of the 2025 annual audit, and the passage of two budget amendments for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the board scheduled a workshop for the upcoming budget and authorized the creation and hiring of an additional IT support technician position.

The board meeting included a review of audit results, quarterly financial reports, and the current balance of the VEBA trust. The board discussed the upcoming mid-year investment review and the status of IRS filings. Under new business, the board approved the implementation of official monthly bookkeeping services to be performed in-house by the district's finance department using existing software. Additionally, the trustees addressed the future transition of board members scheduled for later in the year.

The meeting focused on several key operational updates, including the acquisition of a new administrative building and the initiation of associated RFPs for construction projects. The board also received reports on the status of the annual audit, land development for a new station site, and personnel updates. Key actions included the approval of using a PayPal account and debit card for the cadet program, and the election of board officers. Commissioners provided closing remarks acknowledging the work of firefighters and expressing support for the district's ongoing projects.

The meeting agenda includes reports from the Chairperson, Secretary/Treasurer, and Legal Counsel. General business items feature the consideration and approval of audit requirements and the transition of bookkeeping requirements to be performed in-house by the Finance Department.

The board discussed departmental reports including progress on requests for proposals for a new training facility and administration building, staffing updates in logistics and cadet recruitment, and coordination with Lee Health regarding a new facility. The attorney provided updates on ongoing procurement efforts. Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved a resolution formally calling for the election of commissioners to take place in the upcoming General Election.