Title
An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 4983 by amending the 2022-23 Pay Plan for Fire Personnel to provide for and recognize a lateral entry program for the Mesquite Fire Department.
Body
In order to increase the City’s ability to attract and hire experienced Firefighters, licensed by the State of Texas, the Civil Service Commission unanimously approved Resolution No. 01-2022, amending the Fire and Police Civil Service Rules and Regulations (“Local Rules”) to provide a lateral entry program for the Mesquite Fire Department (MFD). The lateral entry program will result in a substantial reduction in training costs while enhancing operational efficiencies by placing experienced Firefighters into operations at a much faster rate. Multiple fire service agencies in North Texas already have existing lateral entry programs to attract and employ qualified personnel, and it is to the City’s benefit to enact this program to remain competitive.
Laterally hiring Firefighters indirectly affects the pay plan for the Fire Department. Since only the City Council can modify the pay plan, the Commission’s Resolution conditions amendment of the Local Rules on the City Council’s amendment of the pay plan to allow for the hiring of lateral transfers. City Staff recommends amendment of the pay plan by the City Council’s approval of this agenda item’s Ordinance.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff and the Civil Service Commission recommends approval of the ordinance.
Attachment(s)
Civil Service Resolution
MFD Standard Operating Procedure-Lateral Entry Program
Ordinance
Drafter
Libby Craven
Head of Department
Rick French