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, 1977; 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)].
TLCG 143 provides the department head of a civil service fire department with fewer than 300 certified fire fighters may make one appointment occupying the position immediately below that of the department head. [143.014(c)]. The other Deputy Chief positions are tested positions.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
A Deputy Chief retired on October 3, 2016, and he held the appointed position. This ordinance will eliminate that position, which will aid in the resolution of the projected budget shortfalls. The workload of the administrative functions of the fire department will be shared among the remaining four (4) Deputy Chief positions. As a result, the overall impact to the efficient functioning of the fire department will be minimized.
The Human Resources Department is requesting changes to the current fire staffing by eliminating one (1) appointed Deputy Chief position.
Current Strength of Force for KFD Revised Strength of Force for KFD
Fire and Rescue Officer 190 Fire and Rescue Officer 190
Fire Captain 29 Fire Captain 29
Battalion Chief 6 Battalion Chief 6
Deputy Chief of Fire 5 Deputy Chief of Fire 4
FISCAL IMPACT
Financial impact will be a savings of $100,132.71.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the adoption of the proposed ordinance to eliminate one (1) appointed Deputy Chief, full-time position.