Fire and EMS representatives presented operational updates including call statistics, training activity, maintenance work and pending grants.

Ken Buckmaster reported the fire department’s annual activity for its reporting year (Dec. 1–Nov. 30): “139 calls, 50 false alarms, 12 controlled burns … grass fires 23, structure fires 8, gas leak 7, public assist 8, vehicle fire 5, equipment fire 8, storm damage 1, and outbuilding fires 8.” He said the department has 23 active members and one new member in processing.

Buckmaster described training practices — five hours monthly using in‑house trainers, Vector Solutions modules and a preventive maintenance checklist for trucks — and noted six members still need two classes to finish a 64‑hour basic firefighter course. He also said two members completed train‑the‑trainer work for EVOC and the department can now run its own EVOC instruction.

On maintenance, Buckmaster said a pump control computer failure on Engine 8 caused a temporary loss of throttle and pressure while fighting a fire, and that the truck was taken to Nashville for about a week; “All of that has been fixed,” he said. Buckmaster flagged a budget line associated with Engine 8 maintenance (noted in the packet at roughly $8,900).

Mr. Beatty reported EMS staffing is stable with one vacancy after a recent retirement; Teresa is assisting with billing through the month. He said November call volume was 117 and that the service’s fiscal‑year revenue is “just under 220,000,” with expectations toward a roughly $500,000 year by next June. Beatty said the department has pending grants, including a state EMS grant of $23,000 that remains pending.

Beatty described plans to replace two older stair chairs with battery‑powered models and explained why they are important: the chairs can move patients up and down stairs and reduce caregiver strain. He said the battery models cost about $15,000 each.

The committee recessed routine discussion of a separate EMS agenda item to a dedicated Call Meeting next Monday and urged members to review pre‑meeting materials.