The Buzz - Fire Territory Executive Board Meeting, Dynamics Driving Up Food Costs in 2024

 In This Issue of the Buzz:

  📆 Upcoming Local Events

⭐ Shop Local/Buy Local - Business

 🚒 Recap of the Fire Territory Executive Board's Meeting

🥕🥦 Complex Dynamics Driving Up Food Costs in 2024

  🌞 Local Weather

Upcoming Local Events

February 2024

• Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 - Events & News

• Brownsburg Library Events

• Paper Towers: A STEM Lab

  • Date: February 27, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

  • Description: Children in grades 6-10 can participate in a STEM challenge to build the tallest tower using limited materials at the Brownsburg Public Library.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Public Library

• Indiana Sigma/Zeta Day on the Hill - Mental Health Matters

  • Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024

  • Location: Indiana State Capitol

  • More information can be found here on Eventbrite.

• Movie Matinee

  • Date: February 28, 2024, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

  • Description: The Brownsburg Public Library, in collaboration with BOAA, will be showing "The Notebook" (2004) for their monthly movie afternoon.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Public Library

• AAAI - Seat At The Table with Ting Gootee

  • Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024

  • Location: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

  • More information can be found here on Eventbrite.

• Professional Services XBE Outreach

  • Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024

  • Location: Weddle Bros. Building Group, LLC

  • More information can be found here on Eventbrite.

• Indy Ad Connect - Winter Social

  • Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024

  • Location: Ale Emporium

  • More information can be found here on Eventbrite.

March 2024

• FC Bound

  • Date: February 29 - March 3, 2024

  • Description: An event designed for prospective students to explore Florida College and its offerings.

  • Location: Eaton Hall, 61 N. Green Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112

  • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

• Camp Registration Opens

  • Date: March 2, 2024

  • Description: Start of registration for a summer camp organized by the Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club for ages 9-19.

  • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

• The HR Lab

  • Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024

  • Location: Eiteljorg Museum

  • More information can be found here on Eventbrite.

• Improv Now

  • Date: March 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

  • Description: An improv event promising a night of entertainment and laughter.

  • Location: Eaton Hall, 61 N. Green Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112

  • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

• Lock-In

  • Date: March 22, 2024, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

  • Description: An overnight event filled with various activities for attendees.

  • Location: The Flow Space, 8131 Kingston Street; Suite 500, Avon, IN 46123

  • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

• Experience FC

  • Date: March 29, 2024

  • Description: An opportunity for individuals to experience what Florida College has to offer through various presentations and activities.

  • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

Shop Local - Visit Our Local Businesses:

Shop Local - Visit Our Local Businesses:

Fiscal Strategy and Community Safety: Recap of the Fire Territory Executive Board's Meeting

The Fire Territory Executive Board regular meeting involved a comprehensive discussion on various administrative and operational matters. Here's a summary of the key points discussed during the meeting:

• Opening Procedures: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

• Attendance and Minutes Approval:

  • All three board representatives were present.

  • The minutes from the previous meeting on January 16, 2024, were approved unanimously.

• Expense Reports for January 2024:

  • Total expenses for January were reported at $190,914.75.

  • A specific inquiry was made about a $15,000 payment to the town of Brownsburg for HR payroll and general accounting services. Clarification was provided that this expense was part of an interlocal agreement.

• Executive Board Items:

  • Appointment of Attorney: A motion was made and approved to appoint Frost Brown Todd as the firm representing the Brownsburg Fire territory, with a six-month reassessment clause.

  • Annual Financial Report: The board acknowledged receipt of the annual financial report required by February 15th each year.

• Conflict of Interest Statements:

  • Acknowledgment of conflict of interest statements for Matt Johnson (McQueen Emergency Group) and Nina Powell (Pure Hard LLC).

• Strategic Coverage and Risk Reduction:

  • Discussion on a property offer and due diligence for strategic coverage expansion and risk reduction. Potential interest in acquiring additional property for relocating headquarters and training grounds was also mentioned.

• Monthly Staff Reports and Bid Disposal Transfer:

  • The board reviewed monthly staff reports and approved a motion for the bid disposal and transfer of various items deemed as having no value.

• Payroll and Overtime Issue:

  • An audit revealed a glitch in overtime calculation for firefighters dating back to the 1990s, resulting in a $34,000 back pay adjustment.

• Fleet Management:

  • The board discussed the aging fleet and maintenance issues. A motion was approved to purchase a new pumper for $700,000 plus additional costs, pending town council appropriation.

• Public Safety Letter and Financial Planning:

  • The town is expected to receive $700,000 from the public safety letter, with the fire territory receiving half. This boosts the reserve cash, contributing to financial stability and allowing for strategic investments in equipment and infrastructure.

• Appropriations Request:

  • The board acknowledged requests for appropriations for various needs including property payment, generator replacement, workout equipment flooring, and due diligence on property acquisition.

• Comments and Suggestions:

  • Board members and citizens provided comments and suggestions on equipment replacement funding, building maintenance, and strategic partnerships for resource sharing.

• Future Planning:

  • Discussions on financial strategies for equipment replacement without resorting to bonds, the importance of maintaining cash reserves, and exploring options for acquiring used or demo fire trucks to manage rising costs effectively.

• Meeting Adjournment:

  • The meeting concluded with plans to address the raised concerns and suggestions. The next meeting was scheduled for March 19, 2024, at 6:00 PM.

From Field to Table: The Complex Dynamics Driving Up Food Costs in 2024

In 2024, food prices and grocery bills in the U.S. are expected to rise, with a forecasted increase of 2.9% by the USDA, half of the 5.8% increase seen in 2023. This comes as over 60% of American households live paycheck-to-paycheck, credit card debt exceeds $1 trillion, and many face food insecurity exacerbated by inflation and stagnant wages.

A major factor driving food price increases is Federal government policies, including money printing and regulatory restrictions, which have added costs to food production. Additionally, Proposition 12 in California, aimed at improving animal welfare standards, is likely to increase prices for animal proteins by imposing new requirements on farmers, further stressing household budgets.

Rising input costs for farmers and ranchers, such as fuel and equipment, along with droughts and water restrictions, contribute to the upward pressure on food prices. These challenges are anticipated to continue affecting consumers, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about food prices for budgeting purposes.