Election keeps status quo at McCormick Fire

There was the chance one more from the Humberg family would be joining the McCormick Fire Board with the election held on Tuesday, however incumbents Trevor Pelling and John Driebusch were endorsed by their electors to serve for another term, filling the two seats up for grabs.

Michael Humberg’s bid to join his parents on the board was denied after he garnered 29 votes, compared to 83 for Driebusch and 81 for Pelling.

Those three were the only candidates running for the board.

Pelling began his time at the McCormick Fire District as a firefighter in 1981. For a number of years he served a dual role as both a firefighter and board member and has served as chairman since filling both capacities.

For most of his time at the department, Pelling said things ran smoothly and there wasn’t much need for change. Over the last several months, interpersonal and operational issues have forced the department to look at making some adjustments.

Much of the controversy has revolved around concerns brought to light by board members Larry and Kathy Humberg and a conflict between volunteer firefighter Michael Humberg and fire chief Mike Harris, who has now unofficially resigned.

“It’s been quite trying for several months,” Pelling said. “We’ve been trying like mad to get things back to functioning properly.”

“Volunteer organizations used to be done on the fly and that can’t be done anymore,” he said.

Pelling noted policies have changed for numerous quasi-governmental agencies and the same goes for the McCormick Fire District. He said the amount of required paperwork for federal and state agencies has increased dramatically and so has the responsibility that comes with handling public funds.

During the March board meeting, Kathy Humberg highlighted several issues she would like to see resolved in the operation and bookkeeping protocols of the department. A major issue at hand was missing funds totaling over $1,000 from a department fundraiser held in September. 

Other matters of concern for Humberg were items taken for personal use from the department, members not properly trained, machinery not call-out ready, personal records not properly secured and inadequate bookkeeping.

“We have to be more stringent. There is definitely the need for more oversight and accountability,” Pelling said.

With the election now resolved, Pelling is focused on recruiting volunteer firefighters, getting them properly trained and making sure the department’s equipment is ready for the upcoming fire season.

“Especially with fuels drying out as rapidly as it has been, we’re trying to get everything together to be able to respond to any calls that may come in,” Pelling said. “Without the support from Troy and the surrounding districts we would be really strapped right now.”

Pelling said the support from the community is evident from the election results. “I think this vote was an indication from the public that they want a more democratic and diverse board.”

Driebusch was also able to retain his seat on the board, which he has held for about five years.

Both Driebusch and Pelling said the biggest challenge facing the district is funding, but that is not uncommon for many fire departments set out in areas with small populations. 

Another challenge, Dreibusch said, is for board members to fully understand all of the protocols involved with their position. “Especially at a time when our economy has become more and more delicate,” he said.

Last month, members of the McCormick district took part in a training put together by the county commissioners for members of various boards to get instruction on their roles and obligations. “We all discovered we were greatly lacking in our awareness of some of our responsibilities,” Driebusch said.

Enlisting new volunteer firefighters has been a challenge for the department as of late. “It just seems like in Lincoln County people come and go, so that’s always been a struggle.”

Dreibusch would like to see more public engagement from those in the community for their input and support. He said the number of people at the March meeting was impressive, but not for the reasons he would have liked to see them there for. There was already half as many in attendance for the April meeting he said.

“I’m happy the election came out the way it did,” said Dreibusch. “We’ll continue to learn and work to improve the department. Hopefully we can work to serve the public better.”