TITLE
Consider an ordinance to amend the number of authorized civil service positions for the Killeen Fire Department.
SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM
Ordinance To Amend the Number of Authorized Civil Service Positions for the Killeen Fire Department
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
Human Resources
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Texas Local Government Code (TLGC), Chapter 143, became effective September, 1987; this codification 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)].
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
The Department of Homeland Security SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant for the City of Killeen’s 2015 application for salary and benefits for 37 entry-level, full-time Fire and Rescue Officers was approved at the October 6, 2015, special Killeen City Council meeting. The SAFER Grant will fund the salary and benefits of these fire rescue officers for two years, with the City absorbing the cost of these positions for the third year.
The Human Resources Department is requesting changes to the current fire staffing, by adding 37 Fire and Rescue Officers.
|
Current Strength of Force for KFD |
Revised Strength of Force for KFD |
|
Fire and Rescue Officer |
153 Fire and Rescue Officer |
190 |
|
|
Fire Prevention Officer |
3 |
Fire Prevention Officer |
3 |
|
Fire Captain |
26 |
Fire Captain |
26 |
|
Battalion Chief |
6 |
Battalion Chief |
6 |
|
Deputy Chief of Fire |
4 |
Deputy Chief of Fire |
4 |
|
Fire Marshal |
1 Fire Marshal |
1 |
|
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in the FY 16-17 budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the adoption of the proposed ordinance to add 37 entry-level, full-time fire and rescue officer positions as outlined in the SAFER Grant.