Prophetstown Fire Protection District trustees met for their monthly meeting on November 12th at the Prophetstown Fire Station. Prior to the regular business meeting a Truth In Taxation Hearing was held to hear public comment on a proposed tax levy increase. There were no comments at the meeting.
As the district continues to struggle financially due to increased costs of fuel, utilities and labor, the board of trustees agreed to levy the maximum amount allowed under their current legal limits for the upcoming fiscal year. Last year’s the tax Levy brought in $410,000 to the district. Following research by Trustee Jennifer Sleeman it was determined the FY ’22-’23 levy could be increased more than originally thought. With the increase the district could see an additional $88,000 during the next fiscal year. The district still plans to put a tax referendum on the April ’23 ballot asking for an increase in their levy amounts.
The trustees unanimously approved the tax Levy ordinance.
Department Reports
Fire Chief – Gerald Armstrong
#The District responded to 18 calls in the month of November. #Approval for a radio repeater in the chief’s vehicle was approved and associated equipment has been ordered. #Fire inspections of the Prophetstown schools have been completed. #The final phase of the Prophetstown station renovation has started with work beginning in the radio room and office area.
Armstrong said the district’s I.S.O. rating remained the same as last year. (Insurance Services Office). The score reflects how prepared a community and area is for fires. It mainly focuses on the local fire departments and water supply.
Prophetstown Department – Capt. Trevor Richmond
Richmond was reelected as vice president of the area M.A.B.A.S (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) organization.
A small equipment grant is being finalized for various needs.
Ambulance Service
Administrator’s Report – Assistant Administrator, Dawn Fisk
The service responded to 36 calls in the month of November. Scheduling for personnel has seen fewer issues. The service hopes to of add two more certified basic responders around the first of the year.
The service hope to incorporate some high school students from the SVC see impact program to volunteer to help with Ambulance inventory and assist at the Light Up the Park event in December.
Informational Items
Fire
Discussion was held about the possibility of incentive pay for firefighters responding to calls. The program would begin on January 1, 2023. Department captains will poll their members about interest. No action was taken.
Capt. Trever Richmond suggested the district send out letters to district residents to provide a yearly district update and possibly ask for donations. No action was taken.
Discussion was held about the possibility of rewarding those district firefighters who have helped with the Prophetstown station renovation by having the District make the first payment on new dress uniforms. No action was taken.
Ambulance
An SOP for reimbursement of EMT classes was presented and reviewed. No action was taken.
EMS asked the trustees permission to pursue a possible career day involving local high school students. Trustees felt it was a worthy cause to pursue.
The service will also have it’s ambulance on hand at the light up the Park event as a public relations endeavor.
Strategic Planning Committee
Committee continues to meet recently developed a list of top five priorities for both the ambulance and fire services. All district personnel are asked to give input on the list which included personnel, budgeting, equipment, education and community outreach.
Board Action
Blake Wiseley’s application for membership in the newly formed Cadet program was approved.
Approved the District’s Tax Levy Ordinance.
The next PFPD Trustees’ meeting will be held on Monday, December 12 at 7 PM at the Prophetstown Fire Station.
