Copyright 2006 The Birmingham News
All Rights Reserved
By KIM BRYAN
Birmingham News (Alabama)
MCADORY, Ala. — Two of McAdory Fire District’s five board members have stepped down since December, when the board’s decision to hire a full-time fire chief resulted in debates over hiring procedures.
Chairman Jack Massey announced his resignation Dec. 1, but reconsidered and returned to the post.
Board member Donna Cole declined to serve a second term after the board voted to reappoint her.
On Dec. 15, Cole had moved to offer the full-time chief position to present
volunteer Chief Jeff Wyatt at $60,000 a year. The board approved 3-1, with Bruno Tropeano voting no.
Tropeano said the board, rather than searching for the most qualified person for the chief’s job, was shirking its responsibilities in limiting its focus to Wyatt.
The board was not clear on the job qualifications of chief, Tropeano said. Nor had it considered appointing someone willing to take the position without pay, he said.
Several firefighters at the meeting supported Wyatt, pointing out that he already manages three employees and 25 volunteers who respect his leadership.
Board member Billy Hassell said the salary was in range with the Jefferson County personnel board guidelines, which start at $48,500 and top out at $75,000, the minutes state.
Wyatt said the district needs to hire someone for the job, whether it was him or not. But he could no longer work at his job and spend 40 more unpaid hours a week working at McAdory.
Tropeano said his vote was not a reflection on Wyatt’s dedication in serving the district for 17 years as a volunteer firefighter, then volunteer chief.
It was whether the board had acted responsibly, he said.
Massey said last week he had resigned because he believed it would be best for the district.
“I thought the department deserved better leadership,” Massey said. “But people have asked me to stay, and I’m staying. I want Jeff to be the chief, and I stand by that.”
Though the board has voted to offer the position to him, Wyatt has not accepted, nor has the board prepared a contract, Massey said.
Since residents voted to incorporate the district in 2003, making fire dues
mandatory rather than voluntary, the district has managed its funds carefully, Massey said. It has hired three full-time certified employees to work three shifts five days a week and four part-timers to back them up. It also bought a new firetruck last year, he said.
“I can’t say enough about how proud I am of this fire district,” Cole said. “We have a great fire chief and firefighters. They are totally committed.”
Wyatt said district officials and volunteers had agreed from the start that when the department could afford to pay employees, it would hire people from within.
“That’s what most departments do,” Wyatt said. “If it weren’t for one person on this board who continually disagrees with everybody, none of this would be happening.”