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Council approves MOU to let recently departed firefighters return without retesting for one year
Summary
Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the firefighters association to allow previously certified firefighters to return within a one-year window without retesting; staff said the policy speeds rehiring and can reduce equipment and onboarding costs.
City staff presented a memorandum of understanding with the Alice Professional Firefighters Association intended to streamline rehiring of experienced former firefighters.
"It speeds up the process... It's just a year grace period, to be able to come back in without having to retest," the Fire Department presenter (speaker 6) told the council, describing the proposed one-year window for rehire and explaining that returning firefighters would still need to meet agility and job‑capability requirements. The presenter said the measure is aimed at bringing back trained, certified personnel who already know local policies and can shorten onboarding time.
Council members asked whether tests carry fees; staff said civil service tests can be expensive and the MOU saves money where applicable. One council member suggested allowing volunteer firefighters historically, and staff said volunteer recruitment is difficult and would merit separate exploration.
A motion to approve the agreement "as presented by the fire chief" was made, seconded and carried without recorded opposition.
The council approved the MOU as a personnel tool; no additional funding or ordinance change was recorded at the meeting.
