Ingram Fire Department Seeks FEMA Funds Amid Controversy

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Emergency Response and Financial Reimbursement Request

Ingram, Texas – The Ingram Volunteer Fire Department is currently seeking financial assistance to support its emergency response efforts during the deadly July floods. The department has requested a reimbursement of $356,582.37 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with Kerr County serving as a pass-through for the funds.

During a recent meeting of the Kerr County Commissioners Court, there were discussions about the reimbursement request, which raised several concerns among the commissioners. One of the main points of contention was the absence of Fire Chief Diana Baccus at the meeting. Commissioner Jeff Halt expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "This is a challenging reimbursement that is high dollar and complex and it should be represented by a member of that department. She should be here right now speaking to us."

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly also voiced his concerns, referencing past allegations of financial mismanagement by the department. He commented, "The other volunteer fire departments that have been financially responsible in every way that we've asked are not being included in this and the one that has a history of financial mismanagement and misappropriation is going to be given these funds."

Fire Chief's Response and Apology

In response to the criticisms, Fire Chief Diana Baccus defended the department, calling Judge Kelly's comments "deeply disappointing, inaccurate, and unfair." She explained that the reimbursement request was time-sensitive and had been submitted in accordance with FEMA's guidelines. Baccus also addressed her absence from the meeting, noting that she had been advised by Kerr County Precinct 4 Commissioner Don Harris that her presence was not necessary.

Following Baccus's letter, Judge Kelly issued an apology, acknowledging that his earlier remarks were based on incomplete and outdated information about the department. He expressed a willingness to review the situation more thoroughly and ensure that all parties involved are treated fairly.

Ongoing Concerns and Next Steps

The situation highlights the importance of transparency and communication between local government entities and emergency services. While the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department has taken steps to address the concerns raised, there remains a need for continued dialogue and collaboration to ensure that all departments receive the support they require.

As the process moves forward, it will be important to monitor how the reimbursement request is handled and whether any additional measures are taken to prevent future disputes. The community will be watching closely to see how this issue is resolved and what steps will be taken to maintain trust and accountability within the department.

Key Points to Consider

• The reimbursement request from the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department is significant in both amount and complexity.
• The absence of Fire Chief Diana Baccus at the meeting raised questions about representation and communication.
• Judge Rob Kelly initially expressed concerns about the department's financial history, which were later retracted after further review.
• The situation underscores the need for clear communication and transparency between local government and emergency services.
• Continued monitoring and dialogue will be essential to ensure that all parties involved are treated fairly and that the needs of the community are met.