Alfalfa, Oregon – At a packed Alfalfa Fire District board meeting Wednesday night, legal counsel Jered Reid disclosed that the district still does not have access to essential banking records needed to trace the use of a federal FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
Missing records and unpaid invoices
Reid explained that the district owes approximately $165,000 to MES/SeaWestern for self‑contained breathing apparatus equipment purchased with the grant. Of that amount, $119,765 is currently due, with roughly $45,000 remaining unpaid.
According to Reid, the expense was never properly incorporated into the district’s budget. He had believed the $120,000 would be paid during the fiscal year, yet the current budget reflects only about $50,000 in cash on hand, even though the district actually had close to $170,000 at the time.
Calls for investigation
Community members voiced concerns that the lack of transparency could indicate fraud or waste of taxpayer dollars. Residents urged the district to request a formal investigation by state or federal authorities.
Reid confirmed he has now been in contact with MES/SeaWestern to resolve the outstanding balance and to obtain the missing documentation.
Next steps
The board will initiate a supplemental budget process and schedule a public hearing before any further expenditures are approved. The district’s attorney emphasized that a thorough audit is advisable to ensure the grant funds were used appropriately and to restore public confidence.
Alfalfa Fire District officials also noted that former Fire Chief Chad LaVallee continues to serve in an advisory capacity more than two months after his resignation, a point that some board members said warrants further review.
For more details, readers can follow the full story from the Prineville Review.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
