Petition to replace BVFD Chief Surfaces; Citizens Say no Transparency with Funds is Concerning
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
A petition was presented to media outlets and Blaine residents asking that Blaine Fire Chief Jeff McCarty be removed from his position after volunteer fire fighters, who attended the July Fiscal Court meeting and was made aware that McCarty did not produce receipts for money expenditures of the fire department in the last audit of the department.
During that meeting, Lawrence Judge Executive was confronted by McCarty who accused the judge of requesting an audit of BVFD and none of the others in the county and accused the judge of pointing out BVFD for “no reason” to audit them.
Judge Carter made statements during that discussion that McCarty failed to turn in any receipts and only reported where the money was spent with no proof of what it was spent on.
One example the judge gave was the ledger that McCarty turned over to the judge had items such as $2,000 for fireworks hand written in it with no receipt as to where they were bought and the exact amount of the cost.
The judge said there was no accurate and clear records of money coming in to the department or going out.
This prompted citizens of Blaine to give a detailed explanation as to why they believe that McCarty should be removed and another person be placed in that position as soon as possible.
The petition is addressed by citizens of Blaine and it reads: As concerned citizens of Blaine, we are deeply invested in the safety and well-being of our community. Recently, during a public meeting, alarming issues regarding the lack of transparency and accountability at the Blaine Volunteer Fire Department surfaced. Our community deserves to rely on a fire department that is well-managed, accountable, and transparent in its operations and financial reporting.
The fire department’s failure to provide complete receipts or financial documentation has raised suspicions about the proper management of taxpayer resources. Such omissions necessitate an immediate and thorough review of the department’s operations and financial management. It is paramount that our local fire department demonstrates the utmost integrity, ensuring that public funds are dedicated to enhancing community safety and responding efficiently to emergencies.
In light of these concerns, we are calling for a change in leadership at the Blaine Volunteer Fire Department. We propose the appointment of interim leadership or an independent oversight committee to step in and evaluate the department’s processes, management, and financial practices. This will ensure that essential emergency services remain uninterrupted and that taxpayer resources are effectively and transparently managed.
Our goal is to restore trust in the Blaine Fire Department and to guarantee that all financial and operational procedures are transparent and accountable. By taking these steps, we can assure the citizens of Blaine that their safety is the top priority and that their contributions are responsibly utilized.
We urge the local authorities and stakeholders to take immediate action to replace the current leadership with one that values transparency, accountability, and dedication to public safety. Your immediate attention to this matter is essential for the well-being of our community.
Please join us in demanding this crucial change to protect and serve our community better. Sign the petition to advocate for a transparent and accountable Blaine Volunteer Fire Department.
Comments on the website pertain to much needed change in BVFD.
“Blaine has needed a change for years, hopefully now we can be able to get our fire department back on track.”
“Change is needed!!! Everyone needs to support this! It’s for the better! I agree with what everyone is saying, the whole board and leadership is corrupt! We need to start posting this as much as possible! They have a Facebook page!”
“The fiscal court needs to fix the department! People are fed up I’m not surprised.”
The petition and letter can also be found on https://www.change.org.