Temple City Council approves adding firefighter driver position on first reading to allow immediate promotion

The Temple City Council on Nov. 4 approved on first reading an ordinance amending certified firefighter classifications to add a single driver-rank position so a candidate on an expiring promotional list can be promoted immediately.

Miss Rodriguez, a city staff member, told the council the recommendation is to "add this 1 position, and that we do it today," because the promotional list for the position expires that day and a candidate at the top of the list could be informed of a promotion if the position is created.

The change before the council on Nov. 4 was limited to one driver position. Miss Rodriguez said the council had previously been asked last month to add two entry-level firefighter positions and one captain position, for a total of four positions, but emphasized the urgency of approving only the single driver position at this meeting so the promotional list deadline would not prevent the appointment.

The presiding officer opened a public hearing and invited in-person and virtual comment. No substantive public testimony on the item was recorded during the hearing.

Council member Pilkington moved to approve the ordinance amendment; Council member Kuykendahl seconded the motion. The council voted and the presiding officer announced the motion passed, 5-0.

The ordinance was approved on first reading; the transcript does not specify the schedule for any subsequent readings or implementation steps beyond the stated purpose of enabling the immediate promotion.