Fire District Receives Clean Audit, Adds 9 New Firefighters Despite Staff Departures

The Manhattan Fire Protection District received a clean audit report for fiscal year 2023 while addressing staffing challenges with nine new part-time firefighters set to join the department at the end of March.

Jasleen Kaur from Lauterbach & Amen presented the district’s FY23 audit via Zoom during Monday’s board meeting, reporting no difficulties or disagreements during the audit process. The audit showed positive financial highlights, strong revenues, healthy fund balances and positive end balances for the consolidated district.

“She discussed the management letter which states no difficulties or disagreements were encountered during the audit process and provided a clean opinion,” according to the meeting minutes. The audit took longer than expected as it was the first conducted after the Manhattan-Peotone consolidation.

The positive financial outlook comes as the district manages staffing transitions. Deputy Chief Dave Piper reported that while the department is losing some members to other fire departments, the influx of nine new part-time firefighters will help maintain service levels. Additional applications are already on file for future openings.

February ambulance revenues reached $128,000, continuing strong performance in emergency medical services. The district has not yet received tax revenue, which typically arrives in June, but ambulance fees remain robust.

The board also approved two key appointments. Mike Shivers, who was previously recommended to fill a vacant trustee position, was appointed to the Manhattan Fire Protection District Pension Board effective May 1, replacing Larry Goodwin. Additionally, Trustee Nick Kotchou was reappointed to the Board of Trustees for a three-year term beginning May 1.

Construction progress on the new fire station continues with outdoor lighting and landscaping recently completed. Chief Steve Malone reported that the final draft should be available soon, keeping the project on track for the planned June or July groundbreaking.

The district is also pursuing multiple grant opportunities, working with solar developments and other entities to secure additional funding. Chief Malone has been nominated to serve as the fire representative on the ETSB 9-1-1 Board, expanding the district’s regional involvement.

A new department policy manual is 90% complete, with the union scheduled to review it before finalization. The district is also updating its Standard of Cover documentation since the consolidation and working to establish a comprehensive strategic plan.

The district successfully managed the recent Irish Fest event using a new command structure that included representatives from multiple agencies to oversee the event.