By Marla Jones
Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
Valley Head, Ala.-- The Valley Head Town Council held its monthly meeting on Monday, March 13.
At the meeting, Valley Head Fire Chief Dustin Burt gave a report of activity within the Fire Department. There was a discussion of the duties and responsibilities of the Fire Chief.
Mayor Mike Key and the Council walked to the Fire Hall for a tour of the fire hall facilities. After a review of the fire trucks, where candy wrappers from recent parades and water bottles were found, Mayor Mike Key elected to suspend the Fire Chief’s title for a period of 30 days.
Many citizens and business owners in Valley Head expressed their concerns over the matter and the fire protection that they would receive during the thirty-day suspension.
Southern Torch reached out to Valley Head Mayor Mike Key and Chief Dustin Burt for their reactions to the suspension.
Mayor Mike Key stated the suspension of Dustin Burt was title-only. He said that he informed Mr. Burt not to represent himself as the Valley Head Fire Chief during the suspension. Mayor Key assured the public that the Town of Valley Head would still have fire protection through mutual aid with Henagar, Hammondville, and Valley Head Fire Departments responding to any calls. Mayor Key also stated that “to his knowledge, no firefighter had turned in their equipment to leave the volunteer department.”
Burt has served as the Valley Head Volunteer Fire Chief since 2018. He stated that he feels the suspension of his title, is politically motivated. Burt expressed his frustration, stating that he has been shut down in his attempts to better protect Valley Head citizens when purchasing equipment or applying for mutual aid.
Burt stated the suspension should have been the vote of the Council.
Mayor Key said that after seeking legal advice through City Attorney, Pat Tate, he had the right to suspend without council approval since he was the one who appointed him.
The DeKalb County Fire Association requires that a town have an active Fire Chief in order for the municipality to access the 3-mil tax revenue. It is unknown, at the time, if the tax revenues will be affected during this suspension.
A Special Called meeting will be held on Monday, March 20 at 6 p.m. to discuss the suspension and the duties of the Fire Chief. The meeting is open to the public. If you would like to speak at the meeting, you will need to fill out the necessary paperwork with the City Clerk before Monday.
“This is not going to be a free-for-all” stated Mayor Key. “Like all of all meetings, the public is welcome to attend.”
In other business, the Mayor and Council approved the CDBG Street Grant Project in the total amount of $420,000. Valley Head will have a $20,000 match to the $400,000 funds granted. The project will address drainage, runoff, and roadway paving on Hammonds Street, Church Street, and Railroad Avenue.
Ordinance 2023-0306, which increases the sewer rates from $20 to $24 up to 2000 gallons due to the increase by the City of Fort Payne.
The rate for dumpsters was also increased from $215 to $250 due to the increase by the City of Fort Payne.
The Town of Valley Head will host two events in the coming months. Earth Day will be held on April 20 at Valley Head Park beginning at 4 p.m. Mayberry Days will be held on May 6, beginning at 9 a.m.
