City seeking grant, proposed changes for FIRE/EMS and Police approved at City Council meeting

City Council held a public hearing at Tuesday's regular meeting regarding the Texas Community Development Grant Program. The city announced that are seeking a $500,000 grant for downtown.

Proposed changes to the classifications and number of positions to the Big Spring Fire Department were also approved during Tuesday's meeting. Changes that were approved included going to a four-station model with one ambulance per station. Each ambulance will be manned by two personnel and three on a firetruck. The total number of personnel will remain the same on this four-station model. This proposal will also reduce the number of lieutenants by three, reduce drivers by three and increase firefighters by six. This allows for changes in schedules and relieves some overtime. The last change in the ordinance includes renaming classifications: deputy chief will become battalion chief, lieutenants will be named captains, which is common practice in other areas The Big Spring Fire Department currently has five stations with two primary stations providing EMS services.

A 10% increase and 13% increase in sliding scale pay for Police and Fire Departments respectively was also approved as well. This amounts to a total of an $870,000 increase in the budget. An increase in incentives was also proposed for Police, Fire, and EMS, due to difficulties in recruiting. Tuition reimbursement for EMT certifications will rise from $1500 to $3000. Fire and peace officer certification reimbursement will increase from $1500 to $5000, and relocation incentives will raise from $2400 to $4500. These proposals passed.

The city manager reported that the large item pickup for District 3 collected 16 tons worth of items, one of the largest collections the city has ever had. An update on the work at the restroom of the Bert Andries Splash Pad was given. A contractor has begun work, starting with the roof, and is expected to be completed by opening day. Work begins next week on the Runnels Street Waterline Replacement project. Customers between 10th and 18th Streets will have service interruptions, but prior notice will be provided. The city manager stated an RFQ will be created for temporary EMS services due to staffing issues. Good Friday is this Friday, March 29th and city offices will be closed. Trash will be collected Wednesday and Thursday instead of Thursday and Friday - residents will need to put their trash cans out one day early if they have a Thursday or Friday pickup.

The council approved to accept a $30,000 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Grant that reimburses for either capital or operating expenses dating back to January 2020. Staff has requested they be used to reimburse for operating expenses.

Partial release of an oil and gas lease was discussed. This area is east of the air park and is no longer in production. Partial release was approved.

Representative Mcdonald informed the council that it has been 21 years in the making for State Hwy 87 to become an interstate, and the last portion has been signed off and is now officially ready for signage. The portion that runs from Sterling City to Lamesa (including Big Spring) will be called I-27 E.