Upgrades and improvements continue to be a key focus for Fire Chief Thomas Futrell and the Cadiz Fire Department.
During Tuesday’s Cadiz City Council meeting, Futrell outlined a plan to potentially hire a grant writer at the cost of $2,500 plus commission, in order to come away with a successful, professional proposal for the purchase of six air packs — needed to enter compromised buildings and structures.
Following three quotes, these packs with six masks and 12 air cylinders would roughly cost the department anywhere between $48,000 and $55,000, and that’s not an easy amount of capital to raise.
A successful grant, Futrell added, could even allow for a bigger purchase.
Councilman Frankie Phillips asked Futrell if there was anyone within the county qualified to write such a grant proposal, to which Futrell and Cadiz City Clerk Barbie Johnson both noted it didn’t seem likely for a number of reasons — time commitment required and knowledge of the department among the roadblocks.
Johnson also urged a little caution, noting a conversation with the Pennyrile Area Development District and its officials would be prudent before pursuing such a sum. Futrell agreed.
Futrell also noted that three firefighters also received promotions. Matthew Phillips was moved to captain, Michael Parker was moved to lieutenant, and Evron Carlson just finished his first 150 hours of training.
In other city council news:
— Figures won’t be exact for another week, Cadiz City Clerk Barbie Johnson was able to give a positive update regarding the profit coming from the 46th Annual Trigg County Country Ham Festival.
Total expenses this year were just north of $50,000, while booth rental brought in over $32,000, T-shirt sales netted more than $7,300, sponsors contributed more than $33,000 and the West Cadiz Park carnival cut share came in at more than $17,000.
All told, Johnson said this year’s festivities look like a $40,000 boon for the budget.
A full Ham Festival Committee meeting and recap has been scheduled for noon Wednesday, November 9.
— A pay classification ordinance, a budget amendment and a code enforcement board ordinance all earned a quick first reading Tuesday evening, with a second reading and potential discussion planned for this Friday, just before the election next week.
