Board approves consent calendar after questions about per‑diems, mutual‑aid charges and ballistic plates

The Big Bear Fire Authority approved the consent calendar at its June 10 meeting after directors asked questions about several line items, including per‑diem meal reimbursements, mutual‑aid travel expenses and recent purchases of ballistic plates.

A director asked about the authority’s per‑diem policy after reviewing payment details that showed varying meal reimbursements (some entries suggesting as many as five meals in a day). The finance officer said the standing per‑diem schedule is $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $30 for dinner and that staff retains itemized receipts for every reimbursement.

Directors also questioned a roughly $3,400 charge to an Amazon business account that staff said was likely related to a capital purchase tied to a federal program (HSSGP); staff agreed to follow up with a line‑by‑line explanation. A separate charge of about $4,590 for hotels, rental cars and meals was identified as likely mutual‑aid travel that is reimbursable; staff said they would provide details about the mutual‑aid trip and the invoiced items.

On protective gear, staff confirmed $1,000 in charges were for ballistic plates (part of the authority’s active‑shooter program). Staff said an earlier federal grant had purchased some vests and helmets but that ceramic plate carriers and replacement plates were needed because prior plates had expired. The authority has a limited number of properly fitted plate carriers that will be shared among chiefs until a more complete inventory and fitting program can be funded.

The consent calendar passed on a roll call after the brief line‑item inquiries; staff said they will provide supporting receipts and clarifications requested by the board.