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South Bend council adopts state model merit commission for Fire Department after debate over timing
Summary
The Common Council sent substitute Bill 74‑24 forward and voted 8–1 to adopt an ordinance creating a merit commission for the South Bend Fire Department under the state model; opponents criticized the timing after the state deadline.
The South Bend Common Council voted 8–1 on Jan. 13 to adopt substitute Bill 74‑24, creating a merit commission for the South Bend Fire Department based on the state model established by recent state legislation. The ordinance passed after a Committee of the Whole hearing and a public hearing; Councilmember David (Doctor) Davis cast the lone no vote.
Assistant City Attorney Adamie Taylor briefed the council on the statutory background and the ordinance’s key provisions. Taylor said a state law change took effect Jan. 1 that would implement a merit system unless a municipality took affirmative action to reject or adopt a local model. “This is a statute that was advocated by the UI, the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana,” Taylor said, and the substitute ordinance before the council adopts the…
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