The Leander Fire Fighter Association and city officials convened on September 26, 2025, to discuss collective bargaining agreements, focusing on employee absence policies and personnel regulations. The meeting aimed to refine existing policies to better accommodate the needs of firefighters while ensuring operational efficiency.

A significant topic of discussion was the policy regarding employee absences due to personal illness or injury. The committee debated the necessity of requiring a doctor's note for absences exceeding two tours, or 80 hours. Members expressed concerns about the potential complications arising from family illnesses, suggesting that the policy should be simplified to ensure clarity and ease of implementation. The consensus leaned towards allowing employees to return to duty after personal illness or injury, provided they submit a doctor's release.

The meeting also addressed the inclusion of domestic partners in city personnel policies, ensuring that all employees are recognized equally under the agreement. Additionally, the committee reviewed overtime pay regulations, agreeing to align them with existing city personnel policies for consistency.

As the meeting progressed, members discussed the importance of clear communication regarding the collective bargaining agreement. It was proposed that the agreement be made electronically accessible to all firefighters and emailed with a read receipt to confirm receipt.

The session concluded with plans to reconvene after a lunch break to continue discussions on miscellaneous provisions and the hiring process, which includes preferences for candidates with specific certifications. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance working conditions for firefighters in Leander while maintaining compliance with city policies.