Fire district ship shape

 The South Walton Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners held its regular meeting on Jan. 5 at 4 p.m. Commissioner Maurice Gilbert called the meeting to order. A significant portion of the agenda was occupied by the audit report of Kevin Boyer of O'Sullivan Creel. Boyer pronounced the District in "sound fiscal condition" at the end of fiscal year 2008, with $6.9 million in cash available for operating expenses and no significant deficiencies.

 Three months of reserve funding is available, which Boyer said was "right on track." Jack Abbitt, vice-chair of the commission, commended the great job done on the audit by fiscal officer Brian Flanagan.

 Fire Chief Rick Talbert gave Flanagan an award, recognizing his contribution on this significant accomplishment.

 Commissioner Donna Crawford showed Commission members a memorial plaque recognizing Cube McGee, donor of the land for the fire station at Watercolor. The plaque will be permanently displayed at the Watercolor facility.

 In other business, the chief's report noted that there was no loss of life at any guarded beach location during the last year. Display of beach warning flags was curtailed for the winter season at the end of the period during which lifeguards were on duty.

 The District closed out the year with slightly fewer emergency responses than in the previous 2007 tally - 3,903 as opposed to 4,219. 

 Fire district contacts during 2008 were significantly higher - 117,282 in 2008 compared to 72,703 in 2007. Fire Chief Talbert said that the numbers reflect the greater emphasis the district has placed on public education.

 A negotiating team to address labor negotiations consisting of Mike Stange, Sean Hughes, Brian Flanagan and Chief Talbert was appointed.

 The next meeting of the Fire District Board of Commissioners will be held on Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. at fire district headquarters, 911 N. CR 393.