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Eunice council rejects policy to allow family members to serve together in volunteer fire department
Summary
A proposed policy to allow relatives to serve together as volunteers in Eunice Fire and Rescue failed after councilors argued about whether the workers are volunteers or paid part‑time employees, liability and PERA eligibility; the motion failed on a unanimous 'No' roll call.
The Eunice City Council on Feb. 2 debated and rejected a proposed policy (Resolution No. 3524) intended to allow family members to serve together as volunteers in Eunice Fire and Rescue while restricting direct supervision, discipline and evaluations between relatives.
City Manager Shannon Cummins said the policy was designed to increase volunteer recruitment by permitting relatives to serve together, noting the department has applicants who are related to current members. Councilors questioned whether the label "volunteer" was accurate when members receive stipends or pay for runs.
"If you pay an employee hourly rate, they are part time employees," said Lt. Chief Frederickson, describing a legal distinction he researched. "If you pay them a stipend which covers expenses not time then they can be considered a volunteer." Councilor Edward Charo pressed the point that the individuals are effectively part‑time employees and should follow standard personnel policies. Mayor John Dean Davis and several councilors acknowledged the difficulty of staffing a small town fire department and the community value of family participation.
Councilor Curtis Rouse moved the policy; Councilor Steve Almager seconded. A roll call recorded every councilor voting No, and the motion did not carry. Council members asked staff and the fire chief to review state classifications, PERA implications and pay practices and to return with clearer policy language that resolves whether the positions are volunteers, stipend recipients or part‑time employees.
The council did not adopt a policy at the meeting and directed staff to bring back revised options.
