HOPE -When Adam Mathis goes before the Hope Town Council Tuesday for the first time as the community’s new fire chief, he will likely be hoping for a better reception that what his department received last month.
During a Dec. 11 meeting, the council voted to have town attorney Scott Andrews place two clauses in the town’s contract with the Hope Volunteer Fire Department. One calls for a monthly run report and the other requires a quarterly financial report.
The proposed clauses and the contract will be further discussed by the two parties when the council meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Hope Town Hall.
In November, former Hope Fire Chief Chad Emmitt went before the council to request $93,500 for his department’s 2024 budget. But the council responded by voting to provide $90,500 – the same amount as last year.
Their decision came after a number of council members complained the fire department was not providing sufficient, detailed financial information.
A few weeks before Christmas, Emmitt and fire department treasurer Ed Cottrell provided more detailed financial information to the council. Nevertheless, both found themselves being placed on the defensive during questioning by council members and town manager Jason Eckart.
Most of the in-depth questions were answered by Cottrell, the senior pastor at Hope United Methodist Church. Cottrell has long been an active volunteer in his community, projecting a friendly and cooperative demeanor during his frequent visits to monthly council meetings.
But last month, the minister became increasing agitated as many questions came off sounding more like an interrogation than an exchange of information.
Questions like: Why did the fire department do such little fundraising in 2013? Why did the department give out $1,000 checks to the firefighters who responded most often to calls? Why is protective gear costing $4,000 purchased for volunteers who haven’t been on a run in 10 years?
After providing several answers, Cottrell said he had no problem giving the council the financial details they requested.
“But the way it was requested to me? I’m sorry, but my integrity was being questioned,” Cottrell said in a somber tone. “It is the way the request was being presented. I took offense to that.”
The minister’s candor immediately ended the sometimes-heated discussion. Eckart emphasized there’s no question regarding Cottrell’s integrity, adding that nobody was being accused of mishandling funds.
Council member Herby Asher further helped lower tensions by thanking Cottrell and the firefighters for the service they provide.
