Planning underway
I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season and was able to spend time with family and friends. The new year is upon us!
A lot of things happening in the Fire and EMS world which the NSVFA E-Board is already starting to work on this year. The E-Board and Fire School Committee meet the first weekend in December in Grand Island. A lot of good information was provided to both groups. It’s looking like Fire School will be another great opportunity for departments to send members for training. Be looking for the Fire School Books to be coming out soon. With departments being able to sign-up on-line classes fill up quickly. So, once you get the information on classes do not hesitate to get your members signed up!
The Governor has shown us that he does care about the future of Fire and EMS in this State and has made the commitment to help us by hosting the summit a few months ago and has asked some of those who attended to see that we move forward and make Fire and EMS better in the State.The NSVFA E-Board has made that commitment as well and we will be asking for your assistance as well. This is your association!! Please provide us with any input you may have that you feel might be helpful for us in improving the many issues facing all of us as Fire and EMS Departments.
In a separate issue, I read an article recently about a couple of fire departments in Nebraska that used Rural Fire District funds to purchase alcohol for their annual banquet. Evidently this must have either been reported or caught in an audit and the State Auditor’s office contacted them to point out a state statute that prohibits the use of District funds for any beverages other than non-alcoholic. That state statute is 13-2203.
In that same article there was also a department that spent over the $50 per plate limit, again by state statute 13-2203, on meals for a recognition dinner and hired entertainment for the dinner as well. Please take the time to read the statute, I did and I know I learned a few things. Make a copy and give it to your governing body as well.
If you have any questions, please contact our NSVFA Attorney or our office and we will be more than happy to help you. Be safe and don’t forget about the Chiefs Leadership Symposium being held in Norfolk on March 16th. You can register on line!
Mark Meints,
NSVFA Secretary/Treasurer