Pat Hanniford attended the June 19 Chelsea Area Fire Authority Board (CAFA) meeting to discuss the 2017 audit with board members.
He told the CAFA board that the authority’s books received an ‘unqualified opinion’ the highest rating available for an audit. In addition, he said that revenues, which topped $1.51 million in 2017, cash balances and the fund balance were on an upward trend.
In fact, he called CAFA’s finances “in very good shape,” adding that he was very pleased with the shape of the fire authority’s financial situation. He said there are good checks and balances, budgeting and cost controls in place.
Chief Rob Arbini is beginning the process of bringing new firefighters onboard and expects to start taking applications in September but not hiring any new personnel until January 2019 or later, he said. But first, applicants will have to work with Schoolcraft College to take a firefighter test and pass a physical before performing oral interviews in Chelsea.
Visitors to main fire station on Middle Street will also soon see some changes as a new work station and stairs to the mezzanine will be installed.
