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Jacksonville fire chief reports equipment donations, rising runs and discusses vehicle disposal; council adopts emergency appropriations
Summary
Fire Chief DJ Henry reported a donated RIT pack, increased 2024 run counts and requested authority to dispose of surplus apparatus; council discussed repair versus replacement of a brush truck, scheduled a Fire Committee meeting, and adopted emergency appropriations ordinances 2024‑14 and 2024‑15.
Fire Chief DJ Henry briefed Jacksonville council on the department's operations and equipment needs during the Nov. 20 special meeting.
Henry said the department received a new RIT (rapid intervention team) pack donated by the Athens County Firefighters Association and that a MARCS grant application with no local match had been submitted to cover user fees. He reported 14 runs in September, 20 in October and 4 so far in November, bringing the year‑to‑date total to 113 runs for 2024.
Henry raised a $1,000 Johnson's invoice for an insurance deductible related to vehicle damage; Fiscal Officer Heather Rockwell explained the purchase order was submitted in August and the invoice had an earlier incorrect date that was later corrected. Henry also asked about disposing of a Durango and an older skid unit and recommended a $10,000 minimum for the skid unit; council discussed advertising requirements if sales exceed $1,000. Henry proposed using proceeds from equipment sales to repair an older brush truck, but Councilmember Jay Chapman questioned investing $10,000 into a 3/4‑ton truck and suggested a 1/2‑ton would suffice; Council referred equipment‑specification and repair questions to the Fire Committee.
Henry reported a Christmas parade planned for Dec. 21 at 7:00 PM and said two prospective members, Matt Fisher Jr. and Bill Ray, joined the roster but are not yet certified and likely to undergo training in spring.
On financial business, council suspended the rules and read Ordinance 2024‑14 (temporary appropriations) and Ordinance 2024‑15 (2024 supplemental permanent appropriations) by title and adopted both as emergencies with unanimous votes. A supplemental appropriation was included in packets to pay the Johnson's invoice.
The council also discussed fuel accountability concerns for village vehicles; Fiscal Officer Rockwell said she is searching for grant opportunities to fund a fuel management system.
The council scheduled a Fire Committee meeting for Dec. 11 to address equipment specifications and other department needs. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.
