TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION for payment for Annual Re-certification Fees for Firefighters for Fire Department - $412,200.00 - General Fund

The Fire Chief recommends that City Council approve a motion authorizing payment to the Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) for recertification of firefighters in an amount not to exceed $412,200.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:

The Fire Chief recommends that City Council approve a motion authorizing payment to the Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) for recertification of firefighters in an amount not to exceed $412,200 for FY21.

Texas Government Code 419.034 requires that all firefighters employed in the State of Texas as a full-time firefighter hold a State certification. Certification must be renewed annually for each firefighter. Annual recertification fees of $75 per firefighter are to be paid to the TCFP prior to October 31st of each year. Payment after October 31st results in a late penalty of $37.50, in addition to the renewal fee, for each individual for which a renewal fee was due.

Certifications include firefighting, inspection, rescue, aircraft firefighting, hazmat, arson, fire officer and fire instructors. Not every firefighter holds each certification. Each individual is State certified in accordance with their job responsibilities within the department. Based on current numbers of certified employees and projected trainees to be certified this fiscal year, HFD budgeted a total expenditure of no more than $412,200 in FY21.

Fiscal Note:

Funding for this item is included in the FY21 Adopted Budget. There is no increase to the operating budget.

______________________

Samuel Peña, Fire Chief

Houston Fire Department

$412,200.00

General Fund

Fund 1000

Richard Galvan                 Phone: 832-394-7223

Michelle McLeod               Phone: 832-394-6744

Michael Zapata                 Phone: 832-394-7031