The state Department of Local Government Finance met with Turkey Creek Township Trustee Barb Griffith Wednesday, Aug. 23, and approved her budget proposals for 2018, Griffith reported at the Monday, Sept. 11, meeting of the township advisory board.

“All our finances look good,” she said, noting the township’s funds — general, rainy day, township assistance, recreation, fire services and fire equipment — are all currently operating with a surplus.

In Griffith’s August report, she stated her office disbursed poor relief in the following amounts: $150 for rent; $1,873.15 in utilities; and $67.17 in food.

She also noted the township paid $2,510.64 for professional fees in August.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott reported:

• As of the end of August, the department responded to 924 fire and EMS calls, an average of almost four runs per day.

• Department personnel underwent 477.5 hours of training during the month of August.

Training topics included various aspects of water rescue, pre-planning for the new Syracuse Elementary School, operational and equipment checks, truck placement for elevated platform rescues, firefighter agility tests, triage, ECG reading and interpretation and public relations.

• The department held an annual meeting with its EMS billing company.

“EMS billing income is calculated as a portion of our annual operating budget,” said Scott. “Our EMS billing company advised us our average collection rate is one of the higher rates compared to their other clients and higher for average net per run when compared to the previous annual review.”

• The department will participate in the Kosciusko County Fire Association fish fry at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Women’s Building on the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw.

“There will be about 200 firefighters there from all departments in the county,” Scott said, “and there are usually state representatives in attendance.

“Everyone is invited, and this would be a good time to ask questions of your first responders.”

The board will next meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, at Syracuse Town Hall.