The Swartz Creek Area Fire Board is close to drafting a contract with Fire Chief Brent Cole, but some board members are questioning whether the document is necessary.
Fire Board Secretary-Treasurer Rick Clolinger, who chairs the Personnel Committee, said he expects to have a contract proposal for the Fire Board to consider at its December meeting.
But board member Ted Henry is questioning why Cole needs an employment agreement since he has headed up the fire department for more than 20 years without one.
He added that, if the contract alters the job of fire chief, the position should be up for grabs.
“Whenever a job is re-created or redefined, it goes out for posting,” he said.
Vice Chairman Tammy Kapraun said the fire operating agreement between the city of Swartz Creek and Clayton Township requires that the chief have a contract.