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Aldermen Renege on Assessment Tool for Fire Department
The Galesburg City Council was apparently for it, before they were against it -- voting against a measure they technically supported six-months ago.

Aldermen Monday night voted five-to-three rejecting a 15-thousand dollar bid from a firm that would provide assessment services to the Galesburg Fire Department. Specifically, they would evaluate firefighter candidates up for promotion to captain or battalion chief, under the supervision of the city's police and fire commission.

Aldermen approved using such a tool in June as part of the city's new contract with its firefighters union. But First Ward Aldermen Ken Goad says no thank you now.

"Last year when this was voted on by the council, I voted no," Goad said. "And I'll be voting no again tonight. I think it's an unnecessary expense, and I think the council should be very cognizant in trying to save money. I don't think we should be spending money on this item."

But Fire Chief Tom Simkins says the service would have been, quote, "money well spent," and would greatly improve the evaluation process by adding more than just a written and oral exam to the process.

City Manager Todd Thompson says the city will look at alternatives for now.
01 10 12 by Newsroom
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