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A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY OF JONESBORO TO REALIGN JONESBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT STAFFING TO INCLUDE 2 ASSISTANT CHIEF POSITIONS
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WHEREAS, the City of Jonesboro is committed to ensuring the highest level of public safety and effective emergency response for its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Jonesboro Fire Department (JFD) has experienced substantial growth in call volume and complexity of operations due to the city’s population and commercial expansion; and
WHEREAS, the Jonesboro Fire Department staffing model lacks non-uniform administrative positions to help with many daily clerical and management tasks; and
WHEREAS, the current Fire Chief and single Assistant Fire Chief are increasingly burdened by administrative, operational, and strategic planning responsibilities, necessitating additional high-level support; and
WHEREAS; the recently completed Long Range Fire Plan included various recommendations to increase efficiency and productivity of the department, including the recommendation to create an additional Assistant Chief position; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a second Assistant Fire Chief position would allow for a more efficient division of duties, such as separating operational command from training, safety, and administrative functions, thereby enhancing the department's overall readiness and long-term strategic effectiveness; and
WHEREAS, a second Assistant Chief would provide necessary depth in the JFD's command structure, ensuring continuity of leadership and immediate succession readiness during periods of absence, injury, or major emergencies; and
WHEREAS, funding to support the staffing model adjustments are included in the proposed FY2026 budget and no headcount increase for the department will be necessary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS:
Section 1: A second position of Assistant Fire Chief is hereby created within the organizational structure of the Jonesboro Fire Department.
Section 2: The duties of the two Assistant Fire Chiefs shall be allocated by the Fire Chief but may include, but not be limited to, the following functional areas to ensure comprehensive coverage and leadership:
• Assistant Fire Chief I (Operations): Direct command of emergency operations, supervision of on-shift personnel, apparatus and facility maintenance, and immediate incident management.
• Assistant Fire Chief II (Administration): Oversight of the Training Division and Fire Marshals Division, safety compliance, budget preparation and management, payroll, employee issues, and policy development.
Section 3: The new position shall be classified as Assistant Fire Chief and shall be placed within the appropriate pay grade as determined by the City's current compensation plan for executive staff positions, effective upon the passage of this Resolution and inclusion in the next fiscal year budget cycle.
Section 4: The Fire Chief is authorized to fill this new position in accordance to City of Jonesboro hiring and promotion procedures. The financial impact of this position is included and accounted for in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 City Budget.