§ 12.12.4. Tenure of police chief and fire chief.

The term of each police chief and fire chief shall commence upon the expiration of the preceding term and they shall, except as provided in this section, serve a term of six (6) years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. During the first year of a term, a police chief or a fire chief may be removed by the mayor upon written notice and approval by the city council. They shall continue in office for terms of six (6) years from the expiration of their respective prior terms, each subsequent term subject to reconfirmation by the city council. They shall continue in office until action on the reconfirmation has been taken by the city council. Failure of council to reconfirm shall result in a vacancy of the position. Additionally, the mayor may, not more than ninety (90) days nor less than sixty (60) days before the end of a specific term, determine to terminate an incumbency on the expiration date of that specific term. In that event and in any other case when a vacancy occurs, the mayor shall appoint an acting person and the committee herein provided for shall forthwith arrange for an examination to determine eligibles to fill any vacancy. They may be removed for cause by the mayor with the approval of the council by five (5) votes after hearing before the council; pending the hearing the employee may be suspended with or without pay by the mayor.

(C.F. No. 06-1026, § 1, 12-13-06)