The City Council voted to table consideration of a resolution authorizing settlement in the pending lawsuit styled Caleb Finter and Beaumont Professional Firefighters Local 399 interveners v. City of Beaumont and listed officials.

Public commenters who identified themselves as civilian EMS staff urged the council not to resolve the matter without addressing broader issues that affect EMS employees. Stephanie Romero, quality assurance and improvement supervisor for the civilian EMS division, told the council, "Right now, EMS is standing on the outside looking in, begging for a seat at the table and for our voices to be heard." Romero said civilian EMS employees face uncertainty about classification, retirement, pay and benefits and that they have not been formally included in union negotiation proceedings.

Nut graf: The item involves ongoing litigation and collective-bargaining implications for EMS staff. Mike Getz, addressing the council during public comment, outlined the city's litigation history: the lower court granted summary judgment and a judge ordered Finter to be sworn in as a firefighter; the city appealed; the Court of Appeals reversed that judgment and instructed Finter to amend his pleadings; Finter refiled and again sought summary judgment; the city again appealed. Getz asked why the council would consider withdrawing the appeal and pay union attorney fees when the appeals process is pending.

Council ultimately voted to table the settlement resolution; no settlement or payment was approved at the meeting.

Ending: Council postponed action on the settlement and did not instruct staff to withdraw appeals; public commenters said they hope the pause leads to more inclusive negotiations and clearer definitions of EMS roles and compensation.