SALISBURY -- In light of former fire chief Jeff Simpson's departure, Rick Hoppes has temporarily taken the reins, and the mayor is officially calling for the acting chief's permanent appointment.
Mayor Jim Ireton announced his intention to nominate Hoppes for the position of fire chief earlier this month, but did not officially forward his name and resume to the City Council for advice and consent until this week. Ireton has requested the council schedule a closed session to interview Hoppes.
In accordance with the city charter, the mayor must gain the council's consent to appoint a department head.
"I would take the position permanently if the council sees fit," Hoppes said earlier this month.
Ireton did not conduct a competitive search before nominating Hoppes because the acting chief has submitted his name in two prior searches, including the search that occurred a little more than a year ago. The council has been hesitant to consider Hoppes until they know local, state and federal law allows the mayor to forgo a search.
An opinion from former city attorney Paul Wilber states that although the prior practice has been to engage in a competitive selection process, the city's employee handbook does not require the mayor to do so.
"As a result, the council can act to provide advice and consent to the mayor on the current nomination," Wilber said.
However, some council members were unsatisfied with the opinion. Council President Terry Cohen said Wilber's interpretation of the handbook "differs from several decades worth of practice."
Cohen also expressed concern regarding disparate treatment of other employees who went through the selection process.
"I'm concerned about the fairness towards other department heads who were held to certain standards and had to go through the process," she said, adding the council needs to be sure there are no applicable state and federal employment laws they should be aware of before making a decision to move forward.
Councilman Tim Spies said he is in favor of conducting a search, as not doing so undermines the leadership capabilities of the fire department by discouraging those who work to climb the ranks.
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