2023 Bethany Fire Membership Program Letters To Be Sent Out With Assessments

Bethany Fire Chief Jacob Denum detailed the problems recently experienced with one of the department’s fire vehicles during a meeting of Bethany’s Board of Aldermen held Monday night.

The department’s Truck 204 experienced transmission issues coming back from a mutual aid call last Thursday. An estimate is being taken for the repair of the vehicle. The vehicle has been used as a pumper truck for rural fire calls. The truck’s inactive status leaves the department with two other pumper trucks, but with less water capacity, a tanker, the ladder truck, and 2 grass trucks. Chief Denum has been requested to bring back prices of new and used vehicles for consideration with new budget process beginning shortly.

Council members also received the letters which will be sent out for participation in the 2024 Fire Membership Program. The letters will be sent out with assessments on December 29th. They are intended to be sent to every landowner residing in the non-fire district area of Harrison County outside of the city limits. Participation in the program will allow members to be covered with fire service protection if the annual fee is paid. City Administrator Jake Taylor did state before council members that one change being made will charge members for a call if a controlled burn is not initially reported to officials prior to the burn. That change will be stated in the letters being sent out. The letters will be due back on April 1st. Administrator Taylor also stated that the full year’s membership amount will be required and not be pro-rated.

Administrator Taylor says interviews will be held for the new street department candidates during the week of October 9th. The council will then interview the candidate in a closed session on October 16th.

The wall project on the northeast side of the square is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

The council approved the road closure and open containers for the Bethany square on Saturday from 8am until 6pm during the Fall Festival.

Council members also approved an appointment recommendation of Ronnie Clemmons to the Bethany Housing Authority.