BRIEFS. Public service

Bill to change fire administration moving ahead

The Ministro de Gobierno y Justicia, Daniel Delgado Diamante, said yesterday that he expects to reach a consensus with firefighters over administration of the department.

The Asamblea Nacional is considering a bill to reform the administration of the fire department to ensure greater financial oversight.

Delgado said the bill is a result of allegations of mismanagment that have been raised by firefighters themselves.

The fire department receives $9 million from the government each year, in addition to proceeds from insurance policies.

While this funding is sufficient to operate the department, the unchecked spending of those resources has raised concerns both inside and outside the department.

Firefighters, however, have expressed concern over a civilian being appointed to a leadership post within the department. Leaders from the fire department have met with government officials several times to express their displeasure with the proposed legislation.