Firefighter urges Round Rock voters to back Proposition B; mayor cautions against charter change

Bill Clifton, a Round Rock resident and long-serving firefighter, urged residents to vote yes on Proposition B, a proposed charter amendment aimed at requiring minimum firefighter staffing and response-time standards. "Proposition B puts a minimum of 4 firefighters on that first arriving fire engine so they can mitigate your emergency faster," Clifton said, adding that parts of Round Rock can see response times of nine minutes or more.

Clifton cited a 2005 management advisory report and later consultant reviews he said documented staffing shortfalls, delayed turnout and travel times, and station-location gaps. He argued the city had more than two decades to address those recommendations and that Proposition B would enshrine national standards into the city charter to ensure consistent protection. He also said internal union surveys and a Matrix evaluation showed most firefighters view current staffing and capital planning as inadequate.

Why it matters: Clifton framed Proposition B as a public-safety measure designed to make minimum staffing and response-time expectations durable across administrations. He told the council and the audience the charter change would prevent future elected officials from removing minimum standards and said Emergency Services District 9 revenue could be reallocated to support fire staffing.

Mayor Craig Morgan responded that he supports continued investment in public safety but opposed the ballot measure as written. "Voters elect the city council to make decisions on budget and policy — and Proposition B would reduce local flexibility," Morgan said, warning the amendment could expose the city to litigation and shifting financial burdens. He cited city figures showing increases in the public-safety budget and said the city has hired more firefighters and is investing in stations and training to improve staffing over time.

How the council handled it: Clifton declined to take questions at the meeting. The exchange was part of the citizen-communication period; no council vote on Proposition B took place during the session. The matter is scheduled for a public ballot on May 2, 2026.

Context and claims: Clifton repeatedly referenced NFPA 1710 response standards and a multi-decade record of consultant reports; Mayor Morgan countered with budget and staffing numbers, including a cited increase in the fire operating budget and plans to add firefighters in coming years. The meeting transcript records both the union's assertions about response-time gaps and the mayor's budget figures without independent verification.

Next steps: Proposition B will appear before Round Rock voters on May 2, 2026. The council did not vote on city action tied to the measure that night; public discussion and campaign activity may continue ahead of the election.