After a lengthy discussion and three amendments, Fort Wayne City Council passed an ordinance Oct. 7 that revamps the city’s fire merit commission.
The commission has been a source of tension between the firefighters’ union, Fire Department leadership and Mayor Tom Henry’s administration. The merit commission has oversight over hiring, firing, promotion and disciplinary actions.
Specifically, the composition of the merit commission has caused tension. Two members are elected by firefighters, one Republican and one Democrat, and three are appointed to the mayor. Firefighters see this board composition as favoring the mayor. Jeremy Bush, union president, told council members he had “hopes of having a fair and balanced merit commission.”