A Resolution Approving the Interlocal Assistance Agreement for Fire and Explosion Investigations; Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Agreement; Finding That The Meeting At Which This Resolution Is Passed Is Open To The Public As Required By Law; And Declaring An Effective Date.

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

This agreement will allow immediate access at no cost to Master Arson Investigators along with specifically trained personnel in forensic fire debris analysis, electrical failure analysis and explosion dynamics. Although this need is rare in the City of Richland Hills, having access to highly credible investigators that have extensive experience in criminal arson cases would be very beneficial when the need arises.  The only expectation of the City of Richland Hills is to have our Assistant Fire Marshal/Fire Inspector assist with investigations in and outside the city within Tarrant County when available. This agreement is common with smaller cities in Tarrant County with limited resources.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 4.6/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).