Commission discusses fire levy reimbursements after several large invoices; asks chiefs for clarification

Commissioners questioned several invoices submitted for reimbursement from the county's fire levy and voted to have staff review the reimbursements and notify the fire chiefs of permitted uses.

Commissioner Lisonbee Taylor led the discussion, saying she was not questioning the need for the purchases but questioned the process and whether large, nonroutine purchases should have come to the commission in advance. Taylor identified specific charges in the vouchers that raised concerns: a $12,000 equipment/tool purchase for Oak Hill; an almost $14,377 HVAC replacement in Smithers that she said included a $5,000 deposit; a Sam—s Club charge of $129.58 and a Tudor—s charge of $84.72 (both on a Capital One card) that she said may be food purchases; and a $58.34 food charge at Gino's for PACS Fire Department. Taylor also reported Oak Hill had $10,554.79 remaining in its fire levy allotment through June and appeared to have overspent its available funds.

Other speakers pressed for clearer process rules. Steve (staff) and Commissioner John Brennaman suggested drafting a letter to each fire chief that would (1) restate the process for extraordinary purchases, (2) list remaining balances for each department for the year, and (3) clarify that ordinary operating expenses such as food are not normally paid from the fire levy. Commissioner Cruickshank said a policy was drafted previously but had not been circulated.

The commission voted on a motion to review the questioned reimbursements and proceed with drafting and sending a clarifying letter to fire chiefs about acceptable uses and remaining funds. The motion carried by voice vote.

Commissioners emphasized that routine operating costs should be charged to the departments— other budgets while the fire levy should be reserved for extraordinary expenses such as engines and high-dollar equipment.