Relating to certain emergency services provided by a city

This bill relates to certain emergency services provided by a city. Current law generally voids a contract entered into by a city officer or employee if the officer or employee has an interest, direct or indirect, in the contract or job of work or material or the profits thereof or services to be furnished or performed for the officer’s or employee’s city. The bill provides that this provision does not prohibit the lawful compensation, including nominal stipends, incentives, and benefits, for a volunteer fire fighter or emergency medical care provider holding one or more city office or position if holding the office or position is not incompatible with another public office or is not prohibited by law. Current law allows a city council member, during the term for which the member is elected, to serve as the chief of a volunteer fire department or serve a volunteer fire department in any other capacity. A person holding the office of chief of such a volunteer fire department at the time of the person’s election to the city council may continue to hold the office of chief of the volunteer fire department during the city council term for which that person was elected. The bill allows a city council member to serve as chief of the volunteer fire department upon a majority vote of the council. The bill provides that if a city has established an additional fund for police, fire, or other emergency services and has received a payment, award, judgment, or insurance settlement for damaged police, fire, or emergency medical services equipment or vehicles, the city shall deposit the moneys into the relevant fund rather than into the general fund of the city. Additionally, if a city has established an additional fund for police, fire, or other emergency services, moneys remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year may be deposited into a reserve savings account. Moneys in a reserve savings account shall be used for the purpose of maintaining or acquiring major equipment including vehicles.