Dues structure
I am looking forward to serving as President for the 23-24 term for the NSVFA.
This year was another great conference. Thanks again to Dakota City for hosting, great job by all. This year I was facilitating the fire delegates meetings. We had some good discussion in the meetings on a wide range of topics. We only had one action item come out of the fire delegates meetings, which was to see if there was a way to qualify for the tax credit on year 1 instead of getting points for 2 years and then you would qualify. NSVFA Legal Advisor was going to take a look at this item as well.
One big item this year is that we have to raise dues. It was talked about in the general meeting and decided that dues would be raised $5 this year, knowing that it is going to have to raise another $5. The last time that dues were raised was a little over 20 years ago, with the way that everything has gone up in price; the budget cannot keep up with the expenses. Financially the NSVFA is doing fine, but, the last few years we have seen the expenses add up, the budget comes up short. We have to adjust to keep up with all of the great benefits of this organization. The board has taken some steps to reduce spending in areas that we can. As we all know how prices changed over the years and the increases of everything from goods, fuel, and lodging, there is no sign of that going down any time in the near future. In the discussion at the general session, there was some discussion on whether if it should just go to $10 this year, and it was decided to do $5 now to prepare budgets and plan ahead for next $5 increase. You will see the $5 dues increase on your next renewal.
A reminder to everyone, there is a Cancer policy that you’re governing boards can opt to do. At this time there is no funding available to cover the expenses. Please contact your district directors, board, or Jones Insurance, and they can get you the information. Get a quote and take it to your boards, for their consideration. Most of us know a firefighter that has battled cancer or have people on your department that has. It does cost some money, but, could be a great benefit to your membership.
Committees have stayed mostly the same as the last few years. One change is that we added an item onto the CARE (Compassion, Awareness, and Resources for the Emergency worker) committee; it is now the CARE/DEI committee. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This committee can be called and they can get you some resources if you need some. Last year we had a few instances where people were not allowed or turned down from joining a volunteer service because of a difference. An item that we have heard of is that some volunteer services still do not allow females to join, despite their desire to help their community. This committee is there to help you if you need some resources please reach out to them.
Our deepest sympathy goes out the Horn family, Schuyler Fire Department, and Schuyler Rural Fire Board for the loss of Jim Horn. Jim was a past president of NSVFA and director, as well as being on committees. My first meeting as a district director 5 years ago, it was a Fire School meeting, and they went into Executive session. While we left the room, Jim introduced himself and started explaining the ins and outs of the board and meetings. Every since that day, he was always a great mentor and friend. He had just received his 50-year award at conference, I cannot imagine how many people Jim has helped and mentored over the years. He will be missed.
Everyone Stay Safe.
Shad Bryner,
NSVFA President