Civil Service Commission Meeting – October 9, 2026

The Civil Service Commission met on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. to consider classification and compensation matters for the Fire Department, approve examination announcements, receive a report on disciplinary training, and handle routine approvals. The meeting included public testimony and extensive discussion on a proposed special rate of pay for firefighters working out of class.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Gallagher (Orleans Firefighters Association, Local 632) spoke in support of Item 3A, an amendment to the dual assignment special rate of pay, and asked for clarification on the effective date. On Item 3B, a proposed new special rate of pay for working out of class, he requested that the commission defer the item, arguing it conflicts with Civil Service Rule 5.2 (requiring minimum qualifications for dual assignments) and that the legality of compelling firefighters to work out of class is currently before a civil court. He expressed that employees would prefer not to have the rate increase now to avoid prejudicing future rule‑enforcement investigations.
• William Ghost (public commenter) provided information on the fire department’s staffing model, noting that the special rate would apply whether firefighters volunteer or are compelled. He cautioned against setting policy based on a single disciplinary case (the Pierre case) and argued that the pay decision is distinct from the legal question of compulsion.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Minutes (July 10, 2026 and September 9, 2026): The commission approved the September 9, 2026 minutes with one abstention. The July 10, 2026 minutes were listed on the agenda but were not addressed in the provided transcript.
• Ratification of Public Integrity Bureau (PIB) Extension Requests: Approved unanimously.
• Item 3A – Fire Department Dual Assignment Special Rate of Pay Amendment: The commission approved a revision reducing the minimum eligibility threshold from 12 hours to 1 hour, allowing partial‑shift eligibility. Commissioner Monaverty was recused. The amendment was supported by the firefighters’ union.
• Item 3B – New Special Rate of Pay for Firefighters Working in a Higher Classification: This proposal would provide a 5% special rate for firefighters assigned driving/apparatus operator duties who do not meet all minimum qualifications, and a 7.5% rate for firefighters or operators acting as captains who meet some but not all qualifications.
  • Commissioner Monteverdi opposed the proposal, arguing that the reduced rate is insufficient given the full liability and risks, and criticized the department’s disciplinary practices (citing the Austin Pierre case). He voted against the motion.
  • Commissioner Corn supported approval, reasoning that if the court permits such assignments, pay should be provided; if the court prohibits them, the rate would be moot.
  • Other commissioners debated the tension between classification rules and fairness. The motion to defer failed for lack of a second. The motion to approve carried with one “no” vote (Commissioner Monteverdi), effective immediately.
• Item 4A – Approval of Examination Announcements (Nos. 11631–11662): Approved unanimously. These announcements cover non‑general‑fund positions at various agencies.
• Item 5 – Report on Disciplinary Training for City Leadership: Staff reported on a training held in August 2026 titled “Performance Improvement through Constructive Discipline.” The training emphasized just cause, progressive discipline, and proper documentation. Pre‑ and post‑training surveys showed increases in confidence: administering discipline (87% to 96%), creating performance improvement plans (70% to 96%), and distinguishing progressive from accelerated discipline (62% to 100%). About 50 people attended two sessions. Commissioners discussed expanding the training to first‑level managers and including restorative practices. The report was received.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of September 9, 2026, approved (one abstention).
• PIB extension requests ratified.
• Item 3A (dual assignment pay amendment) approved (Commissioner Monaverty recused).
• Item 3B (new special rate of pay for out‑of‑class work) approved, effective today, with Commissioner Monteverdi voting against.
• Examination announcements (Items 4A) approved.
• Disciplinary training report received; no formal action taken.
• Meeting adjourned.