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Denton leaders, fire company reach financial accountability agreement

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DENTON – Following months of negotiations, the town of Denton and the Denton Volunteer Fire Company have agreed to a memorandum of understanding.

The MOU, drafted by Denton Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan, spells out the town’s continued financial support of the company and DVFC’s accountability for that funding.

In June 2024, the town council approved the creation of the MOU “developing an accountability for the funds provided” by the town, according the June 6 meeting minutes. However, the document wasn’t finalized until Jan. 2, 2025.

Representing DVFC Jan. 2 was Fire Captain and Safety Officer Todd Berneski.

The town annually budgets funds for the DVFC’s annual operations and capital expenses. The MOU stipulates that the town will “identify and approve eligible use” of those funds, and the fire company will provide receipts of how the funds are spent and keep a separate bank account for the funds.

The town also will distribute the funding in two equal installments during the year.

“At the end of the day, we have a fiduciary responsibility to the community,” Councilman Dallas Lister said on June 6.

Berneski proposed aligning DVFC’s financial disclosures with the town’s fiscal year, rather than the fire company’s.

On Jan. 2, Lister stressed the need for the council to account for expenditures to taxpayers, calling it a “trust issue.” He also noted that a few prioritized “easy, transparent line items” such as replacement hoses, engines or equipment would be preferable to a more discretionary spending approach.

“It's very difficult for me to swallow, ‘Hey, we're giving you guys an $84,000 credit card that you use however you want to,’” Lister said.

The MOU with an amended annual accounting date change from April 15 to Sept. 1 was approved unanimously by the council.