Fire chief has two jobs
By Emma Perez-Trevino, Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
But he said his second job in
From
From
"That is my schedule," Rubio said.
"I put in my 40 hours, and I'm on call," Rubio, who is a salaried department head here, said of not shortchanging
"What happens if they need you here?" the
"We have an understanding," he said. "By that I mean, if I have to leave (the college to attend to an emergency here), I'll leave. It would be no different than if I had an emergency at the house. What would be the difference?" Rubio asked.
City spokesman
Rubio, a native of
Rubio, 53, is an instructor in STC's Fire Science department. According to STC, the program aims to serve the local community by training new fire fighters in modern skills and techniques required for fire fighting. The program also provides continuing education and professional development for members of local fire departments.
Rubio said that he continues with the job at STC because as an "interim" fire chief here, he doesn't know what tomorrow could bring.
"When the word interim comes in, it's not permanent. I have to maintain insurance for my family," Rubio said, referring to health insurance coverage for himself and his family that he is receiving from STC.
Insurance coverage for himself and his family with the city would not kick in until after 90 days of employment, according to the city.
"I don't qualify for anything until 90 days anyway, which is the time that they'll make a decision," Rubio said, referring to when City Manager
Rubio's salary here is
"I have to do my job here for the city of
The commission recently confirmed Yerena's appointment of Rubio as fire chief, but also used the word interim during discussions with some commissioners pressing Yerena to say that the position would be advertised. City officials also said at the time that the position of "interim fire chief" doesn't exist in the city. Some firefighters believe that the manner in which the city handled the fire chief vacancy skews and contravenes the normal selection process.
STC staff is reviewing numerous questions posed by the Star regarding its outside-employment and dual-employment policies as these could relate to Rubio.
STC's personnel policies state, however, that outside employment is allowed if it does not interfere with the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
The city's personnel policies also note that employees cannot engage in outside employment where it would constitute a conflict of interest or affect the employee's performance for the city.
Asked if he planned to resign the STC job if named permanent fire chief, he said: "I would have to make a decision at that point. We will see what tomorrow brings."
Dual employment
The city does not believe that Rubio's dual employment and dual salaries is in violation of the City Charter, which is the city's governing document.
The charter specifies that the mayor, city commissioners and "full-time salaried employees of the
Mayor
"I will defer a definitive answer to the city attorney," Boswell said.
Bilbie answered that, "A teaching job is not an 'office of emolument' under
Rubio is an instructor at STC, a state college, which is partially funded by the state.
According to opinions from the
The
In a
It's been cleared
Rubio contended that the city had reviewed the issue of the two jobs and had cleared him for the job.
Rubio lives in
"Right now everything is status quo because it's an interim position," Rubio said of continuing to live in
"In the meantime, the city of
Rubio said that he has received a warm welcome, that the fire department is excellent and that staff is the best. "They continue to support, to work with me, and we move on," Rubio said.
He said he has no immediate plans to make any personnel changes, noting that everything remains the same during his assessments. If change is warranted, he said it would come after the assessment and after consultation with "higher ups" to make sure that the decision being made is sound and in the best interest of the department and the city.
"My goal is to do my job, focusing on assessing the department, working with people, and becoming a team," he said.
Rubio said he offers years of experience from employment at the city, state and federal levels, and his education.
"I would bring a new set of eyes and new ideas. That is what we are trying to do in my view," he added.
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