The Springfield City Commission voted July 29 to put a charter amendment on the November ballot that would make all police positions above the rank of lieutenant unclassified and allow for lateral entry into firefighter and paramedic positions.

Police Chief Allison Elliott addressed the commission before the vote, saying the change would give the division "more responsive and flexible" options for building command staff and for appointing leaders based on performance and fit in addition to seniority. "This is not about removing protections," Elliott said. "It's not political. It's not about instability or removing people or eliminating positions. This is about creating a more responsive, modern, and mission driven leadership structure."

Commissioners and staff clarified that the vote taken Tuesday authorizes only placement of the amendment before the electorate; passage of the amendment requires a majority vote by city voters in November. "Just wanna make a public point of clarity that this vote tonight is to put it on the ballot for November," one commissioner said during the meeting.

Why it matters: If Springfield voters approve the measure, the police division would gain flexibility in how it fills command positions above lieutenant, and the fire division could immediately recruit experienced firefighters and paramedics through lateral hiring. Chief Elliott said the change would be paired with a leadership-development program for officers.

Actions taken: The commission approved the ordinance to submit the charter amendment to the electors; the vote was recorded by roll call with all members voting yes.

What was not decided: The amendment's placement on the ballot does not itself change hiring rules; any changes take effect only if voters approve the amendment in November.

Ending: Chief Elliott said the division is developing clearer career-development pathways to accompany the charter language if voters approve it. Commissioners said they would provide more information to the public before the election.