Council confirms Fire Chief Willie King and sets confirmation date retroactive to Feb. 16, 2024

Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday approved an amendment that makes the confirmation of Willie King as deputy chief (now chief) retroactive to Feb. 16, 2024. The action was taken as a floor amendment to an ordinance pulled from the consent agenda and passed as twice amended.

Council members debated making the appointment retroactive during the rules committee and discussed whether retroactive pay would result. Councilmember Doctor Johnson sponsored the amendment and said it would "make Chief King whole" by granting him the formal title recognition he had effectively been serving with since Feb. 16, 2024.

Legislative staff told council members they had checked with department payroll and the state: a state statute prevents retroactive pay for services already rendered. Staff and the department chief confirmed Chief King's pay already reflects his work in the capacity of chief, and the retroactive confirmation would not alter compensation, the staff member said.

The council adopted the amendment and confirmed the appointment by a recorded vote of 19 yeas, 0 nays.

Why it matters: The retroactive confirmation resolves a personnel irregularity raised in committee: Chief King had been functioning alongside two other acting chiefs whose appointments were effective Feb. 16, 2024; this vote brings his formal confirmation into parity with those colleagues without changing pay, according to staff.

What happens next: Staff will record the updated appointment date with personnel and payroll systems and update public records of the appointment.