MODEL BYLAWS
Following is an example of bylaws which have been adopted by some Firefighters Relief Associations. Each association should write their bylaws in a manner to cover all functions and operations contemplated in the normal conduct of business.
ARTICLE 1. Name and Membership. This association shall be known as the _____________ Firefighters Relief Association, and shall be composed of the regularly appointed members of the ______________fire department.
ART. 2. Purpose. To receive, use and disburse funds for the benefit of the members of the association or their dependents.
ART. 3. Officers. The officers of this association shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer and a board of directors.
ART. 4. Duties of Officers. The president shall preside at all meetings of this association and of the board of directors; sign all orders on the treasurer, when issued in conformity with these bylaws; appoint committees not otherwise provided; call special meetings of the association or of the board of directors when he deems it necessary, or when requested by five or more members in writing.
The vice-president shall perform all the duties of the president in his absence.
The secretary-treasurer shall keep a complete and accurate record of all transactions and meetings of the association and the board of directors; shall receive all moneys and disburse them as the association may direct, keep separate accounts of the funds received under the provisions of the firefighters relief fund act and those received from other sources, and make an itemized statement in this manner, to be submitted to the association at each regular meeting, together with an annual statement to be reported at the regular meeting in January. A copy of the portion of this report concerning the funds received under the provisions of the firefighters relief fund act shall be sent to the Insurance Department on a form furnished by the department for the purpose. Such treasurer shall give bond for the safekeeping of such funds and for faithful performance in such sum, with such sureties as may be approved by the governing body of such city, township, county or fire district. The fees for such bonds to be paid by the Association.
The board of directors shall make or receive and investigate recommendations for benefit to any member of the department, or his dependents and make a report to the association at the next regular meeting, or a special meeting called for the purpose, if necessary, where the report will be considered End the necessity and legality of the benefit decided, and allowed or disapproved by the association.
ART. 5. Election, The officers and the board of directors shall be elected by ballot at the regular meeting of the association in January of each year.
The two members who receive the highest number of votes on the ballot cast for the members at large of the board of directors shall be declared and elected.
When a permanent vacancy shall occur in the position of secretary-treasurer, or any member of the board of directors, such vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by ballot, in like manner as provided above. The president may designate a member to fill a temporary vacancy.
ART. 6. Meetings. The regular meeting of the association shall be held on ______of each month at ____o' clock. A majority of all members constitute a quorum. Should an alarm of fire interfere, the meeting shall stand adjourned until the following day at the same hour.
ART. 7. Use of Funds. All moneys received under the provisions of the firefighters relief fund act shall be used only as provided by the Laws of Kansas. Any other funds, except those specifically appropriated, shall be used as directed by the association from time to time.
ART. 8. Benefits. Accident insurance payable in case of accident or accidental death occasioned by duty as firefighters, and health insurance payable in case of sickness or death caused by exposure or disease contracted while on duty as firefighters, shall be at all times carried by the association in a reliable company upon each member in such principal amount as its funds may permit; or the association shall reward its members, or their dependent, in like manner from the funds of the association.
ART. 9. Beneficiary. Each member of the association shall keep on file with the secretary of the association the name of the beneficiary to whom he desires the benefits, named in these bylaws, be paid in case of his death.
ART. 10. Death Certificate. In every case of death of a member of this association the certificate of a competent physician, stating the true cause of such death, shall be immediately filed with the secretary of the association.
ART. 11. Amendments. Amendments to this constitution must be presented in writing, lie over thirty days or until the next regular meeting, and be adopted by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the association.
ART. 12.