Board of Aldermen Voted to Update Branson Policy on Hiring Relatives to Public Safety Departments

Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 12:00 AM

Branson, Missouri's policy regarding hiring relatives will change.

Branson Director of Human Resources Hayley Hutchins presented the staff report on the issue to the board. Bill 6383, a city ordinance, amends sections "A, E and F." Hutchins explained that the changes will enable the "the City Administrator to approve the employment of family members in the same department while maintaining strict guidelines to promote fairness and impartiality."

In short, the change allows a relative to work in the same department as another family member as long as the family reports to an employee of "higher or equal level" employee instead of a family member.

Branson Alderman Marshall Howden asked City Administrator Cathy Stepp what made these changes necessary. Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin and Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt commented on this purposed shift in policy.

"It is very common in public safety for generations to work in fire and police. That's not uncommon in this country," Martin said. He added that he currently has a division chief that has "indirect supervision over another member that's two or three steps below in rank."

That stops the employee from experiencing promotion to assistant chief and fire chief. Martin also said that the change will serve as a "recruiting tool."

Schmitt shared Martin's view of generations working in public safety.

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