Jumpline MAG_Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 5
1403 Of昀椀cers
Paul Blake
Local 1403 Treasurer
5
Report from the
TREA$URER’$ Desk
I hope this article 昀椀nds you well.
We
successfully
processed
hundreds of payments for retiree
life insurance and dues without
(signi昀椀cant) issues. This year was
the 昀椀rst time we had an electronic
payment option. As for retiree dues, they are basically sent to
the International Association of Fire昀椀ghters. What they charge
is what we charge. Little to none of that stays within the Local.
In terms of income, it is important that dues are calculated at a
percentage of a pay scale; 1% of Step-10. Our current contract
changed the calculation of Step-10 because it now includes
EMT and paramedic as a part of the pay scale versus a separate
incentive. 1% of Step-10 has resulted in an approximate $7
increase per pay period per active member.
As for membership dues, there was an increase in accordance
with the cost-of-living adjustment from our current contract.
When noti昀椀cation of a dues increase is announced, it is meant
for active members, despite that it goes out to all members.
I would like to see the dues calculated at 1% of Step-7. Step10, prior to the language change in the contract, is roughly
the same as Step-7. These past several years, the Local has
increased its reserves; meaning each year we saved more than
we spent. We currently have three months worth of expenses in
our operating account and an entire years worth of funds in our
investment account.
We will soon (in the Summer) be convening a Constitution
and By-Laws (CBL) committee. CBL is the document that
governs our actions; dictates how we conduct business.
There are several that I would like to see changed.
If for any reason, we had a signi昀椀cant event where we needed to
use those funds, the CBL Section-3 of this article allows for the
levying of a new assessment and/or a change in the calculation
of dues to a higher step.
Article-4 – Meeting
In return for decreasing dues, I would ask for some of it to be
given back as follows:
There continues to be requests from members to have our
membership meetings conducted, virtually. Many locals across
the country have added this to their Constitution and By-laws
which are approved by the IAFF. There is no need to reinvent
the wheel. You would still need to have an in-person attendance,
but the meeting would be open to all active and retired active
members.
Section-3 details the number of members needed for a quorum,
which is 45 members, off-duty. With the addition of virtual
meetings, I believe we could reduce this to 15, if we have a
minimum number in attendance in some elected capacity –
executive board and principal of昀椀cers.
Currently, when we do not achieve a quorum, motions approved
by the Executive Board are automatically approved. While the
automatic approval language was necessary to carry out the
business of the local; when there isn’t a quorum, you could pass
items with as little as 6 votes.
Article-5, Section-10 Online Voting
This language was approved years ago but never implemented.
Last year, we spent roughly $20,000 on our CBL changes. I
believe we received less than 5% of the 3,000 mailouts that were
sent. Not to mention having to set a day aside for the elections
committee to 昀椀nd volunteers to count the ballots. Online voting
will increase our participation in elections.
In addition, the CBL mentions the use of “mailouts”. Having an
online voting platform would allow these mailouts to be done
electronically. You could also have items (of signi昀椀cance) sent
to the membership electronically. In my opinion, online voting
will not only be a savings for the Local, but also increase member
participation.
Article-9, Initiation Fees, Dues, Reinstatements and Assessments
The Building Fund is $3 per pay period. We are 昀椀nancing
major capital projects, such as replacement of the roof and air
conditioners. We have more members using the banquet ball
than ever, thanks in part to the member discount rate that was
adopted years ago. Members using their hall is important. At
the same time, a member who uses the hall prevents an outside
rental which generates substantially more revenue for the
Building Corporation. I am asking that the Building Fund be
increased to $4 per pay period.
The decision was made, several years ago for the Local to be
“delinquent members” with the Florida Professional Fire昀椀ghters
(FPF). Section-2 of Article-9 allows the Local to retain
“undisbursed funds” to be retained in the General Fund. We
opened a second Political Committee (with the Florida Division
of Elections) for statewide issues with these funds. If, in the
future, we decide to become members in good standing with
the FPF, this political committee would go unfunded. I am going
to ask for $2 per pay period to be dedicated to funding our
statewide political committee.
Mind you, I am one vote on the proposed CBL committee. If the
CBL committee does not approve my ideas, then they are just
that – my ideas.
As for my ideas, I believe they are what this
membership will support. Not only will there be
greater participation in our meetings (by going
virtual), but also greater participation in our
elections (on-line voting). All the while saving
the average member $100/year while increasing
funds for our building, as well as our statewide
politics.
Spring 2026 | JUMPLINE Magazine
