San Luis Obispo council approves retired Paso Robles deputy as interim fire chief
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Summary
Council authorized hiring Randy Harris, a soon-to-retire deputy fire chief from Paso Robles, as interim fire chief under a CalPERS exception capped at 960 hours per fiscal year; the appointment includes no benefits, is funded from salary savings, and passed 5-0.
The San Luis Obispo City Council unanimously approved hiring Randy Harris, a retiring deputy fire chief from Paso Robles, as interim fire chief to cover the department after Chief Todd Tuggle's announced resignation.
City Manager presented the appointment at a special meeting and said state law imposes a post-retirement waiting period for CalPERS members but allows exceptions when the council adopts a certification resolution establishing a critical need. The appointment was described as limited to 960 hours per fiscal year, without benefits and funded through salary savings from the vacant fire chief position. City Manager told the council the arrangement is expected to save the city about $50,000 over six months.
Council members asked about the practical implications of the 960-hour cap and contingency planning if recruitment for a permanent chief takes longer. The City Manager said recruitment will begin in January, the 960-hour cap is measured per fiscal year (restarting July 1), and staff do not expect to exhaust the cap because they will actively recruit for a permanent chief.
Vice Mayor Francis moved to approve the staff recommendation, Council member Marks seconded, and a roll-call vote recorded all five council members voting "yes." The motion passed 5-0.
City Manager and human resources staff said the appointment is intended to provide operational continuity while the city conducts a full recruitment for a permanent fire chief.