St. Helena Parish Fire District #4
Board of Commissioners
Meeting Minutes August 20, 2026
The Board of Commissioners met in regular session in the Meeting Room of the St. Helena
Fire District #4, located at 8352 Highway 37, Greensburg, LA on Thursday August 20, 2026
The invocation was led by Mittie Muse, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call: Carmen Overton-President, Sheila Kinchen-Vice President, Board Members
Mittie Muse, Dianne Washington and Joseph Lancaster. None Board Members Katrena Higginbotham Secretary, and CPA Kitty Newell. Absent: None Board Member Interim Chief Leslie Akins
Public Comments: None
A motion was made by Joseph Lancaster seconded by Dianne Washington to approve minutes from July 23, 2026 with correcting St Helena Police Department to St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office in reference to the vehicle donation. The motion was carried with 5 Yeas (Sheila, Carmen, Mittie, Dianne, Joseph)0 Absent, 0 Abstained.
A motion was made by Joseph Lancaster seconded by Carmen Overton to accept the financial statements with an ending balance of $ 239,635.54 and to pay all August bills totaling $5392.16 CPA advised that 2 lease payments was made for the month of August one by check, and one by ACH both amounts totaling $7,470.73, advised to either stop the payment or allow it to go to the next payment due February 2027. The motion was carried with 5 Yeas, (Sheila, Carmen, Mittie, Dianne, Joseph) 0 Absent, 0 Abstained.
A motion was made by Sheila Kinchen seconded by Mittie Muse, to accept resolution No. 2026-004 For The full time paid position of Secretary-Treasurer effective 09/01/2026 with a salary of $25,000 per year and Benefits. The motion was carried with 5 Yeas Vote done by roll call (Sheila, Carmen, Mittie, Dianne, Joseph)0 Absent, 0 Abstained.
A motion was made by Joseph Lancaster seconded by Sheila Kinchen. To approve reopening the account for Pine Grove auto parts (napa), with a $500.00 limit, and Interim Chief Leslie would be the only authorized person to sign on the account. The motion was carried with 5 Yeas (Sheila, Carmen, Mittie, Dianne, Joseph) 0 Absent, 0 Abstained.
A review to adopt the necessary addition or deletions made to the bylaws, was tabled until the next meeting.
Discussion was held recapping the request made from Interim Chief Leslie Atkin for the Fire Association that he and the other District Fire Chiefs are inquiring about joining, more information is needing before fulfilling this request per CPA The association would already need to be in place, with fee requirements. We can’t take public money and donate to a non-profit we would need to get more in depth details regarding the request from Interim Chief.
Discussion was held regarding first net suspension, working with reps from firstNet to give correct amount owed due to some potential fraud on the account.
Discussion was held regarding getting a camera system at all the stations Mr. Matthews advised he would look into getting a state contract for the security system, within the discussion an update was given regarding the BCBS policy that was active for the non-employee a new BCBS representative was assigned to the case, and all information has been sent for the audit.
Discussion was held regarding the $30,000 agreement from the police jury to covered the parish wide EMS Services provided by District 4, the board agreed to submit the request to be placed on the 2027 budget wish list. Within this discussion with Mr. Matthews advised that a better time keeping system is needed and will be put in place.
Discussion was held advising that a settlement agreement and release of all claims has been signed by all parties in regards to the replacement ladders, also with the discussion a letter of resignation was received from Chief Bradley Graves effective 09/01/2026 along with a request for all unused sick and leave time payout and a copy of the 2025 by-laws to show reference to leave time accumulations. This will be brought to the police jury board to make any decisions.
Interim Chief’s report: Chief was on a call
Next meeting date set for September 21, 2026@ 6:00 PM
A motion was made by Mittie Muse to adjourn the meeting.
Katrena Higginbotham
Secretary/treasurer
Cost of notice : $69.00