Title
Consider an ordinance amending the number of authorized civil service positions for the Killeen Fire Department.
Body
DATE: November 5, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Kate McDaniel, Executive Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Amend the number of authorized civil service positions for the Killeen Fire Department
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Texas Local Government Code (TLGC), Chapter 143, represents an effort to present, in a coherent and practical format, the laws and civil service procedures for Texas police and fire departments. The civil service system was established in the City of Killeen in an election duly called and lawfully conducted on August 13, 1977. The rules and regulations of TLGC Chapter 143 apply to all classified police and fire officers.
One of the provisions of TLGC, Chapter 143, is that the municipality’s governing body establishes the civil service classifications by ordinance. This ordinance, as adopted by the governing body, further prescribes the number of positions in each classification [TLGC 143.021(a)].
During the FY25 budget presentation, the plan to amend the number Fire Department authorizations was discussed. The attached ordinance increases Fire Rescue Officer authorizations by twenty-one (21) and increases Fire Captain authorizations by three (3). Funds for these additional authorizations will be addressed with the mid-year budget. These additional authorizations will provide for the proper staffing of the newly built Fire Station #4.
Current Strength of Force for KFD Revised Strength of Force for KFD
Fire Rescue Officer 190 Fire Rescue Officer 211
Fire Captain 37 Fire Captain 40
Battalion Chief 6 Battalion Chief 6
Deputy Chief of Fire 3 Deputy Chief of Fire 3
Assistant Chief of Fire 2 Assistant Chief of Fire 2
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Staff recommends the City approve the ordinance amending the total number of authorizations for the Fire Rescue Officer position increasing authorizations by twenty-one (21) and the Fire Captain position increasing authorizations by three (3) to provide for the appropriate staffing of the newly built Fire Station #4.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Yes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The estimated cost for FY 2025 is $2,261,197, covering salary and benefits. Ongoing costs will be included in future fiscal year budgets, aligned with approved budget plans.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
Recurring
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Upon approval of the mid-year budget amendment in January 2025.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes, upon completion of the mid-year budget amendment
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City approve the ordinance amending the total number of authorizations for the Fire Rescue Officer position increasing authorizations by twenty-one (21) and the Fire Captain position increasing authorizations by three (3) to provide for the appropriate staffing of the newly built Fire Station #4.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Purchasing
Finance
Fire
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance
Presentation