Smiths Station fire chief spearheads changes after audit findings

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – When it comes to concerns over the management of a fire department in east Alabama, the findings of a requested financial statement audit are now back.

This comes months after a 22-page anonymous report was sent to us detailing problems with the Smiths Station Fire Protection Committee.

Changes have been made since late last year to help improve accountability within the fire protection district, according to Smiths Station Fire Chief Blake Green.

The audit contains nine suggestions that he said he has already implemented.

“We are here with public money and, at the end of the day, we have to be responsible for the money they give us,” he said.

Green discusses the results of the Smiths Station Fire Protection District's financial statement audit, now available to the public.

It all started when Smith Station Concerned Citizens shared pages and pages with the media of accusations like an incompetent and complacent board of directors, untrained leadership, and individual and personal agendas.

That's when Blake Green was named interim fire chief in September, following the resignation of Joe Walden.

Green said he is already working and making the changes suggested in the report.

“Another thing is the internal control procedures, two signatures on the checks. You know, so we implemented that,” he said.

He said new procedures had already been put in place, even before the audit.

“One of the things we did was set up a purchase order system. Purchases must therefore be approved before being made. We have secured all our credit cards,” he said.

They also revamped their website, he said, including more information explaining fire costs paid by residents and business owners.

Green said his goal is to be more transparent and accountable to citizens.

“Things like purchase orders that allow us to track where those pennies are being spent and show the public where they're going,” he said. “I always encourage people if they have any questions about what we do, how we are doing, to come and ask us. We will explain the truth to you,” he said.

Randy Mauldin is one of three members of the accountability committee Green created shortly after becoming interim fire chief.

“Everything he did, he was honest with us. He told me about the mistakes we made and the things we will do to correct them in the future,” he said.

Overall, Green always encourages people from the Smiths Station Fire Protection District to come to board meetings and express their ideas.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL AUDIT REPORT.

Copyright 2024 WTVM. All rights reserved.