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Council adopts Nevada residency and 15-mile rule for police and fire chiefs
Summary
Mesquite City Council amended personnel policy to require the police chief and fire chief to be Nevada residents living within a 15-mile radius of Mesquite; the council also discussed grandfathering and safety concerns.
The Mesquite City Council voted April 8, 2025 to require that future police and fire chiefs be Nevada residents and live within a 15-mile radius of Mesquite city limits.
Council members discussed a range of considerations, including emergency response times, recruitment and retention. Councilwoman Patty Fielding said the requirement addresses long-standing resident concerns about department heads living outside city limits. Councilman Michael Wanless and others noted 15 miles would encompass nearby communities including Scenic and Beaver Dam and allow timely response.
Public comment included support for a residency requirement and a cautionary note that some public-safety employees prefer to live outside town for personal safety; council members acknowledged that current incumbents would be grandfathered in.
Council action: Fielding moved to adopt a policy requiring Nevada residency and a 15-mile radius residency requirement for the police chief and fire chief; the motion was seconded by Councilman Parrish and carried in open session.
Ending: The personnel policy amendment will be incorporated into city policy documents; staff will update recruitment materials and job postings to reflect the new requirement.
