Civil Service is a system established by the Texas Legislature under Local Government Code Chapter 143 to regulate the hiring, promotion, and dismissal of firefighters. 

The main goals of Civil Service are to:

• Ensure that hiring, promotions, and discipline are based on merit and objective criteria rather than political favoritism or nepotism.

• Provide career security based on fair performance evaluations rather than an "at-will" employment status.

• Protect employees from unjust treatment or retaliation resulting from whistleblowing or exercising legal rights.

Civil Service would require the City of Frisco to:

• Appoint a civilian commission to administer the policies and programs for hiring, promotions, and discipline.

• Post open positions so that all qualified candidates have an equal opportunity to apply.

• Establish entrance and promotional exams that assess candidates based on knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the job.

• Establish eligibility lists of candidates who pass the entrance or promotional exams.

• Fill vacancies by promoting from within the department before considering external hires.

• Provide due process rights for employees facing disciplinary action, including written notice of charges, a hearing, and the ability to appeal.

• Protect employees from being suspended or demoted except for just cause.

As with most civilian commissions and boards appointed by the City Council, there are no specific costs to create a Civil Service Commission. The commission may be advised by the City Attorney on relevant matters and questions related to compliance with the law.

As the election to adopt the chapter is held on a uniform election date, there is no cost to add the additional ballot items. 

No. This petition would only apply to employees serving as sworn fire fighters for the Frisco Fire Department.

Absolutely, yes.

The city would be required under Texas law to update its policies to reflect a fair, neutral, and transparent process. 

They would also have to appoint a Civil Service Commission of unpaid civilians to guide future hiring and promotional processes and to serve as an impartial and fair board to direct matters of public concern within the Fire Department.

The Civil Service Commission would not dictate fire operations, firefighter emergency policies, or other firefighting procedures.

Yes.

Currently, the City of Frisco provides no preference to veterans who have honorably served our county.

However, under state law, with Civil Service, preference points are automatically given to any member of the military who has been discharged honorably and who has passed the minimum standard written test for hiring.

No.

There is no requirement in Texas Law for any special attorney to be hired by the city. In fact, almost all cities in Texas with Civil Service DO NOT have a special attorney assigned to the Civil Service Commission.

The Texas Local Government Code on Civil Service is clear, simple, and designed to be implemented without any unfunded legislative mandates.

The legal needs of the city or commission to comply with the legislation would easily be handled by the current City Attorney or their staff.

No.

The Civil Service Commission would utilize already existing meeting space within City Hall, similar to every other committee or commission of the city.

No special furniture, computers, or software is necessary to ensure the applicants, firefighters, and citizens are treated fairly with transparent, responsible government.

No.

The City of Frisco is not required under Civil Service to hire any outside testing company or engage in any expensive testing process. The requirements of the law are met by cities large and small across the state without new costs or fees.

The intent of Civil Service is fair, transparent, and impartial testing. Doing the right thing and treating people fairly is not expensive or complicated.

No, it's actually illegal for a pr