Saturday, October 5, 2024
Pecan Plantation — Tensions surrounding the future of the Pecan Plantation Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services were palpable during a recent board meeting, as community members and fire department leaders expressed their concerns over leadership and operational issues Thursday evening Sept. 26.
Chief Mike Barrett announced that the fire department’s members have decided to resign Oct 1 after struggling to work with a newly formed board that has been in place for less than six weeks. He highlighted that this marks the third board change within a year and voiced frustrations regarding the lack of respect from the Fire/EMS Inc. board toward volunteer fire services.
Barrett emphasized the need for proper accountability concerning the approximately $840,000 received annually (70,000 per month) from Pecan Plantation Owners Association (PPOA) members’ funding, which he argued is mismanaged by the Fire EMS Inc. board, particularly impacting the fire department’s resources.
Barrett read a resignation statement expressing regret over the decision but stated that he would not be resigning at that time. He reiterated the importance of addressing the equipment and resource needs of the dedicated volunteers who have served the community for many years.
In addition to Barrett, Assistant Fire Chief Billy Wimberly raised concerns about an agreement made by the Pecan Plantation Owners Association (PPOA) regarding fire department coverage.
Wimberly stated that the fire department had neither agreed to nor signed the agreement, which was executed by an unverified entity. He criticized the PPOA for the rapid turnover in its boards and highlighted that previous boards resigned due to pressures that rendered their roles ineffective.
Wimberly pointed out discrepancies in financial allocations, noting that only about 3% of membership contributions reportedly go to the fire department, with an ongoing audit expected to clarify these funds.
Pecan Plantation resident Jennifer Lancaster expressed her concerns about the turmoil within the fire department and its leadership. Initially supportive of Chief Mike Barrett, she voiced confusion over how he became chief, noting his claim of being appointed by his volunteers. She pointed out long-standing issues with funding and procedures, common in organizations like the PPOA.
As she discussed how Barrett's dissatisfaction with existing leadership led to the resignations of two boards—one under pressure and another of experienced members facing unreasonable demands—her comments were met with hostile, vocal opposition.
Despite the interruptions, she continued to criticize the current board’s efforts to accommodate Barrett, highlighting his focus on a nominating committee instead of prioritizing community safety. She warned that Barrett’s actions could escalate tensions and ultimately jeopardize the stability of the fire department.
Other community members also voiced their worries. Mark Daniels cited the current situation may pose a significant problem regarding the fire department's influence on the community’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which affects insurance premiums for homeowners. If Pecan Plantation is not adequately supported by emergency fire services, an increase in the ISO rating could lead to higher insurance costs for residents.
Another resident, Julie Gillett, with a background in non-profit management, argued against the proposed split of the organization, emphasizing that such a division would not benefit the community. She called for unity, suggesting that the fire and EMS departments could operate effectively as separate entities within the same organization, reinforcing the need for collaboration over fragmentation.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need for clear communication and cooperation among community leaders, fire department officials, and residents. Chief Barrett declined to comment further to the Hood County News, leaving many questions about the department's future unanswered.
