HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 83-070 R E S 0 L U T 1 0 N
WHEREAS, it is a basic responsibility of the City of
Beaumont to protect the life and property of its citizens through
the operation of efficient, reliable, and affordable police and
fire departments; and,
WHEREAS, a major barrier to the City of Beaumont in
providing its citizens the best police and fire services possible is
an antiquated state law , the Firemen' s and Policemen' s Civil Service
Act, Article 1269m, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas ( the "Act" ) ,
which dictates to cities the manner in which police officers and
tire fighters will be promoted and disciplined without regard for
local circumstances; and,
WHEREAS, there is documented evidence from thoughout the
State of Texas that the 55 cities which today are under the Act have
seen their police and fire chiefs severely restricted in the
management of their departments because of provisions of the Act;
and,
WHEREAS, the Act fosters wasteful expenditures and
inefficient management in a time of declining revenues; and,
WHEREAS, after long study and careful deliberation, the 55
cities under the Act are making a concerted effort to have the
Legislature amend the Act by giving police and fire chiefs the power
to manage their departments and, at the same time, retaining
necessary protection for civil service employees;
NOW , THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT:
1 .
That it is time to return common sense to Texas police and
fire stations by amending the Act to allow police chiefs and fire
chiefs to manage their departments more effectively through the
appointment of qualified deputies of their choice, improved
promotion system techniques, and more reasonable disciplinary rules;
and,
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2 .
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Beaumont supports
the amendments to the Act proposed by the Texas Municipal League
Article 1269m Task Force because the proposed recommendations
address issues which will return management rights to police chiefs
and fire chiefs; and,
3 .
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Beaumont now calls
upon all members of the Texas Legislature, especially those
representing the citizens of Beaumont, to support the amendments to
the Act proposed by the Texas Municipal League Article 1269m Task
Force.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this
the 15,tA, day of 1 1983.
Mayor
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