Fire District No. 2 receives a good audit from the state

During Tuesday’s Board meeting of Fire District II, Treaurer Steve Thibodeaux was not present to read his report, but President Danny McDaniel said, “Financially, we’re in good shape.” Auditors suggested implementing board policies and procedures for purchasing, and to pay the bills by the day after they are received. McDaniel said he reminded the auditor that they are a volunteer board, and sometimes it is not possible to act that quickly. He said they did not get written up by the auditor, but stressed that these were merely recommendations. McDaniel added the Board could start implementing policies for purchasing.
Fire Chief Chris Harrison reported for the Month of May they received calls for one structure fire, one alarm activation, one landing zone, and one extracation for a total of four calls. Harrison added the ladders will be tested on June 20. Currently, they are almost finished with hose testing. Pump testing will be the next phase.
Chief Harrison said fireman Brian Duplechain resigned, and now they are in the process of seeking candidates to hire for a new fireperson. The Chief has one candidate so far. The new hire will attend a fire academy.
The Board discussed getting a new fire truck. The truck would have to be 31 feet or shorter with a 4,000 gallon polypropane tank wrapped with stainless steel. The Board said in the past they had problems with aluminum tanks, so it is more beneficial to go with the stainless steel. They will contact the company Ferrara to see if they can make a drawing and get a state contract for the truck.
In other business, Board member Ted Demourelle suggested getting liability insurance on the recently purchased property on Highway 167. The Board discussed whether to use their current insurance company or to shop around for a better deal. Demourelle added, “It’s the Board’s responsibility to actually make the best deals with the people’s money.” McDaniel said, “And that’s why sometimes we’ve done business outside the parish.”
In other action, the Board approved $700 for the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association for conference classes.