Tangipahoa Parish Fire Protection District No. 1
Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
July 9, 2026
5:00 p.m.
The Board of Commissioners of Tangipahoa Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 met this 9th day of July, 2026, in regular session. Those present were Chairman E. Ray Glasgow, Vice-Chairman Robbie Lee, Commissioners Jeff McKneely and Ray Cutrer, Secretary Agnes Prevost, and Fire Chief J. D. Stevens. Absent was Commissioner Reginald Foster. Assistant Chief Jason King and Chief of Fire Prevention C. J. Pardue were also in attendance.
---------------
The Chairman recognized Mr. Todd Tournillon, partner with RICHARD CPA’S.
Mr. Tournillon addressed the Board and introduced Mr. Tanner Goodman, senior accountant with the firm who worked closely with the Fire District’s staff on much of the audit procedures. He stated that RICHARD CPA’S was engaged to perform the Fire District’s audit for the year ended December 31, 2025. He added that he had talked with Mr. Milton Cavalier, the prior auditor, during the process and that he was very helpful in the transition. He made known that the audit also included the statewide Agreed Upon Procedures, which is a separate engagement required by the legislative auditor, and he informed the Board that the reports were submitted to the legislative auditor’s office on June 30, 2026; further that he plans to log into the portal from time to time to see if the audit has been approved, which can take a few weeks.
Mr. Tournillon stated that the following reports were issued:
1) Opinion on the financial statements:
Clean or unmodified opinion that the numbers in the financial statements are materially correct.
2) Internal control and compliance in accordance with Government Auditing Standards – did not
identify any items of non-compliance or material weaknesses or significant deficiencies during the engagement.
3) Statewide AUP report (more objective in nature). Some minor items were discussed with staff regarding opportunities for improvement for next year.
At the end of his report, Mr. Tournillon stated that there were no difficulties encountered during the audit engagement. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity and to the Fire District staff for their help in supplying information needed to complete the audit.
Chief Stevens commented that he had spoken with Mr. Tournillon by telephone, but that today was the first time they met, and in his opinion things are working out well with the new auditors.
Discussion took place on the Fire District’s fund balance. Mr. McKneely explained that there is a difference between fund balance and funds on hand due to sales tax and property tax being counted as revenue before the funds are received. It was pointed out by Mr. Tournillon that in the 2025 audit the bulk of the fund balance is unassigned; but that at the Fire Board meeting in April, 2026, a substantial portion of the fund balance was committed for the 5-year capital improvement and personnel plan.
A motion was made by Mr. McKneely, seconded by Mr. Lee and carried that the 2025 audit be accepted.
---------------
A motion was made by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Cutrer and carried that the Board dispense with the reading of the minutes of the June 11, 2026, regular meeting of the Board and accept them as prepared.
---------------
Mr. McKneely made a motion to approve payment of current bills. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and it so carried.
---------------
After review of the financial statement, a motion was made by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. McKneely and carried that the financial statement for the month of June, 2026, be accepted.
---------------
The Chairman recognized Fire Chief Stevens, who made known that it has been almost two years since the employees have received a pay raise, other than the yearly 2% longevity raise. He proposed to the Board a 3% pay raise for the employees in addition to the 2% longevity raise, which would also raise the starting pay from $12.10 per hour to $12.46 per hour.
A motion was made by Mr. Cutrer and seconded by Mr. Lee that a 3% pay raise be given to the Fire District’s employees in addition to the required 2% longevity raise.
After discussion, Mr. McKneely made a substitute motion to give a 4.25% pay raise to the employees in addition to the 2%, making the Fire District competitive with other fire departments in the parish.
The substitute motion for a 4.25% pay raise in addition to the 2% longevity raise was seconded by Mr. Cutrer and it so carried.
---------------
Mr. Cutrer inquired about the filling of the position of Fire Prevention Officer.
Chief Stevens answered that the position has been filled, that Tyler Vilardo has been appointed as the Fire Prevention Officer. The Chief made known that there were three candidates for the position who were interviewed by representatives of the Fire Marshalls Office. He added that the decision was not easy because all three candidates were qualified for the position.
---------------
Mr. Cutrer made known that the City of Baton Rouge charges for inspections. He suggested that the Fire District research charging a fee for permits and inspections, possibly on a parish wide basis to include other fire departments in the parish.
After some discussion, wherein it was agreed that the Fire District would benefit from charging a fee for fire inspections and permits, Chief of Fire Prevention C. J. Pardue stated that he would research the possibility.
---------------
There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Mr. McKneely, seconded by Mr. Lee and carried that the meeting be adjourned.
E. Ray Glasgow Agnes Prevost
Chairman Secretary-Treasurer
Cost of notice: $96.50