Discuss and consider action to approve the proposed revisions to sections 4.09, and 11.44 of the City of Watauga Firefighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The Watauga Police Department Command Staff is requesting approval to revise the City of Watauga Firefighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Rules and Regulations, specifically Sections 4.09 and 11.44.<br><br><strong>Chapter 4 – Entrance Examinations and Original Appointment, Section 4.09 – Police Department Eligibility Standards:</strong><br>The Watauga Police Department is requesting revisions to the drug-use eligibility standards to more closely align with the standards currently applicable to the Watauga Fire Department. The proposed revisions are intended to establish greater consistency between the City’s public safety hiring standards and provide additional flexibility in the recruitment and selection of qualified police officer candidates.<br><strong>Chapter 11 – Disciplinary Actions, Section 11.44 – Exchange of Documents and Identity of Witnesses:</strong><br>The proposed revision would clarify the requirements for the exchange of exhibits and identification of potential witnesses prior to an appeal hearing. The revision is intended to establish clear expectations regarding the timely exchange of hearing materials and witness information and to reduce the need for subpoenas when documents and witnesses can be identified and exchanged in advance.<br><br>

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.7/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.