Village East Fire Protection District Regular Meeting April 27 2026

Village East Fire Protection District Regular Meeting April 27 2026 The board of Village East Fire Protection District met in regular session at its regular meeting place, Village East Fire Station, 100 Development St., Houma, LA, on Monday evening, April 27, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. Attendance THERE WERE PRESENT/ABSENT: Present: Nigel Hodgson (President) Cody Ritchey (Arrived during the 2025 Audit Presentation) Roy Desmore Lydell Crochet Thomas Guidry (Treasurer) Absent: None *Cody Ritchey arrived during the 2025 Audit Presentation. Employees/Guests: Armond Triche (Chief), Paul (Auditor), Scott (Accountant). The Board of Village East Fire Protection District was duly convened as the governing authority of said Fire District by Nigel Hodgson, President. The Board then led those in attendance with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. The Board President called for public comment on any agenda items. There were no members of the public present wishing to speak. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Roy Desmore, seconded by Thomas Guidry, the board accepted the minutes from the last meeting of February 23, 2026, as presented. The motion carried with all present in favor. Financial Report 2025 Audit Presentation Paul presented the 2025 audit report, noting the district received a clean opinion. Highlights included a 12.9% decrease in revenue primarily due to a reduction in ad valorem taxes and lower LAMP interest rates. Finance Reports Scott delivered the current financial status report. Old Business Truck Maintenance: Chief Triche reported that all pumpers are complete and operational, with the final oil change for Engine 2 scheduled for the following day. New Business Adopt the Millage Rate The board discussed Resolution No. 2026-0426 to levy millage rates on the 2026 tax roll. The rate for acquisition and maintenance was set at 15 mills. On a motion by Roy Desmore, seconded by Thomas Guidry, the board adopted the millage rate. The motion carried with 5 yeas and 0 nays. Consider and take action to purchase pagers Chief Triche reported that a requested grant was not received as the portal reached capacity. He informed the board of $42,000 in potential state appropriations for equipment. The board discussed purchasing 20 pagers, batteries, and 10 chargers for approximately $15,335.85. On a motion by Lydell Crochet, seconded by Thomas Guidry, the board approved the purchase of pagers not to exceed $16,000. The motion carried with all present in favor. Consider and take action to purchase a truck The board reviewed a used 2009 Ferrara Inferno ladder truck currently listed for $95,000 in Fort Worth, Texas. Chief Triche noted the truck has 110,000 miles and 10,000 engine hours. On a motion by Thomas Guidry, seconded by Cody Ritchey, the board authorized the Chief to negotiate a purchase price not to exceed $65,000, pending a successful physical inspection and review of maintenance records. The motion carried with all present in favor. Consider and take action to remove Fire 1 requirements for part-time employees Chief Triche requested flexibility in hiring part-time staff who may not yet have Fire 1 certification but possess relevant experience or volunteer backgrounds. On a motion by Cody Ritchey, seconded by Thomas Guidry, the board approved an amendment to the employee handbook allowing the Chief to authorize deviations from the Fire 1 requirement on an as-needed basis. The motion carried with all present in favor. Adjournment On a motion by Lydell Crochet, seconded by Roy Desmore, the meeting was adjourned. The motion carried with all present in favor. Nigel Hodgson (President) April 30 2026 LLOU0508952 $109.35