Civil Service Board approves rehire eligibility for former Housing Department employee Noel Balderas

The City of Dallas Civil Service Board on Jan. 7, 2025, voted unanimously to approve the rehire eligibility application of Noel Balderas, a former Housing Department Inspector III, allowing him to reapply for city employment.

Balderas told the board his driver's license was suspended in November 2022, that he completed counseling and probation, and that he has not had an alcoholic drink since the incident. He said he worked for the City of Dallas for nine years without prior issues and is currently doing handyman work through an app called Thumbtack and operating a trucking business (he said he has drivers for the semi trucks he owns). He told the board he is ready to return to city work.

Board members asked few substantive questions. A motion to approve Balderas's rehire eligibility application was moved by Kyla and seconded by Mr. Pier; the board voted in favor with all members present saying “aye.” After the vote the chair told Balderas to contact the Civil Service Department to complete next steps.

Balderas described the duties he performed for the city as an Inspector III, including overall home inspections for the home repair program and inspections at apartment sites related to homelessness evaluations. He confirmed he does not hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) himself and that others drive his trucks.

The board did not take any appointment action beyond approving rehire eligibility; the approval enables Balderas to be considered for future vacancies consistent with Civil Service Department procedures.

Votes at a glance: Approve rehire eligibility — motion by Kyla; second by Mr. Pier; outcome approved unanimously. (See provenance for transcript excerpts.)

The board moved on to departmental business after the vote and advised Balderas to coordinate with the Civil Service Department for follow-up steps.