Ambulance District Board Reorganized
By Martha Jane East
The Salt River Ambulance District conducted its business Wednesday, May 20 using the Zoom program with some people at the ambulance base in Shelbyville and others joining the group from home. The meeting was brought to order by Chairman Phil Leatherman.
The board members elected this spring, Phil Leatherman for District 4 and Walter Spilker for District 1, took the oath of office during the reorganizational session. The board voted to retain the current slate of officers. They are Phil Leatherman, Chairman; Connie Snider, Vice Chairman and Edie Christine, Secretary/Treasurer.
Director Kieth Pantaleo reported revenues are down because of reduced call volume and decreased sales tax. He said the budget will need to be adjusted but he does not know what the sales tax figures will be for this quarter.
“I should have a better idea of what the numbers will be in June,” Pantaleo said.
While revenue is down, expenses have increased. Pantaleo said the cost of personal protective equipment spiked in March. Funds from the CARES Act will be applied to expenses incurred because of COVID-19.
Pantaleo reported he had contacted Frank Foster, the District’s attorney, regarding the legal impact of using Zoom to hold board meetings. In his reply, Foster compared the limitations of telephone meetings which require provisional decisions pending final approval later with Zoom video conferencing. In a “COVID-19 Sunshine Law Issues” article written by Foster he stated, “Video conferencing eliminates any problem with Board voting thanks to a 2013 amendment to section 610.015 RSMo. The Board can simply vote with the usual finality.”
The insurance package covering the fleet of trucks, the building and liability is due. The total this year is $22,996. The board members approved payment which includes a four percent increase over the budgeted amount.
Employees are scheduled to complete an Emergency Vehicle Operations course on Wednesday, May 27. They have completed the written portion of the course. The session being conducted Wednesday will be actual driving.
In other business:
*The board approved the minutes from the March meeting.
*The board approved the financial report and voted to pay the bills from March through April.
