By JIM BUTLER

The Roy administration proposes to move forward with substantive changes in the police and fire departments.

Public hearings on both items will be held at 5 p.m. November 14 preceding the scheduled City Council meeting.

A new supervisory position – chief of administration – would be created in the Fire Department.

Authorized by 2015 state law, the COA is a competitive post filled from among those eligible. Only current department members with 10 or more years fire experience can be considered.

The selection, appointment, supervision and discharge for the post lies with the fire chief, subject to appointing authority approval.

The governing authority establishes duties and responsibilities of the post. They may include direct supervision over all non-fire suppression personnel, both classified and non-classified.

The Police Department initiative is related to recruiting post-certified (previously qualified to carry sidearm) officers.

Two executive orders earlier this year set new or revised goals, procedures and standards for department recruiting and retention.