Waukesha council blocks funds for fire chief search
Waukesha - The search for a new city fire chief is back to square one with the Common Council's refusal to spend $16,900 for a recruiting firm to search for candidates.
The council was split 7-7, Tuesday night and Mayor Jeff Scrima broke the tie, rejecting the payment to Voorhees Associates, the recommended search firm. Ald. Brian White was absent.
Aldermen opposing the expense said they did not see the necessity of paying a consultant to search outside the department for candidates because enough qualified candidates were already within the department.
Ald. Andy Reiland suggested that a new bid be sought from consultants with an aim toward getting assistance in evaluating in-house applicants only. However, Ald. Joan Francoeur pointed out that the Police and Fire Commission, which is politically independent and picks the next chief, can only be offered the suggestion.
Fire Chief Allen LaConte retired in early March after a 34-year career with the city. Steve Howard has been serving as interim chief while the search for a permanent replacement continues.