From left are attorney Jay Rigdon, Vice President Keith Claassen, council member Kevin Smith II and Clerk/Treasurer Laura Baker

ETNA GREEN — Discussion revolving around allowing more firemen to become part of the Etna Green fire department and the possibility of a parade dominated the Etna Green town council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Etna Green fire chief Randall Bryrer came to the council meeting to express interest in adding an additional volunteer fireman to his crew. Bryrer mentioned he had heard that the council only allots enough money in the town budget to provided clothing and equipment for 22 firemen. However, Bryrer stated that while he has 22 individuals on his crew, another individual has expressed interest in becoming a volunteer fire fighter.

Clerk and treasurer Laura Baker stated she had heard the fire department was supposed to have a cap of 22 firemen, but she was unsure exactly where that number had come from. Baker did mention that they had just approved the 2017 budget earlier in the meeting. The budget only allotted for the current number of 22 members of the fire department. She mentioned this addition could potentially lead to having to add additional appropriations in the budget.

Baker stated the budget must allot for workman’s compensation and clothing expenses for the exact number of firemen at the fire department.

Bryrer asked that Baker look into what the extra cost would be and if it would be possible to add the additional fireman.

“I would hate to turn away someone who wants to be a volunteer fireman,” said Bryer.

The board decided to table the decision to hire additional firemen for the next council meeting so they could gather additional information as to what the cost would be.

Bryrer also suggested he thought the town should revisit the idea of holding a parade again. He mentioned he would love to see the town hold a parade as they have in the past. He stated that it would not have to be an immediate thing, but rather something they could work towards in the next several years. Bryrer mentioned he had several firemen who had expressed interested with helping with a parade.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said council member Kevin Smith II.

The board and Bryrer discussed concerns with liability if they were to have a parade. The council tabled moving further with holding a parade until they found more information of how the liability would affect the town’s insurance.

Board members Keith Claassen and Smith reported on their findings after inspecting a building at Heritage Park.

“We need to get something done,” said Smith.

They mentioned that exterior painting and the floors of the building need attention soon. They discussed possibly completing some of the basic work themselves and asking for volunteers to do work. They also mentioned hiring someone to do some of the more difficult work.

Other News

• Etna Green will be holding a fish fry from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. They will provide fish through both a drive-thru and walk-in.
• The board unanimously approved the 2017 budget amounting to $182,651,000 with a .8360 percent adopted tax rate.
• Large trash pick-up will take place on Oct. 18 and 25.
• Hydrant flushing has been moved to Oct. 25-27.
• The Lion’s Club Hayride will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Heritage Par.