The purpose of this Agreement is the undertaking of a joint testing program for the identification of qualified candidates for consideration in hiring for the position of entry-level firefighter. The duration of this Agreement shall be perpetual unless terminated by the Members in accord with Section VII.  Current members are: Big Sky Fire District, Central Valley Fire District, City of Billings, City of Bozeman, City-County of Butte-Silver Bow, City of Great Falls, City of Helena, Lockwood Rural Fire District, City of Miles City, City of Missoula and Missoula Rural Fire District.

The City could

• Conduct the testing process in house and assume all the costs and liabilities related to the process, or
• Join a consortium where testing is consolidated and all members assist with the testing and development of a qualified candidates list.

The Members share equally in the costs related to this Agreement, including administering and coordinating the Test application and testing process.  In addition, each member, as a condition of membership must pay annual dues.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Interlocal Agreement for the Montana Firefighters Testing Consortium.