The purpose of this Agreement is to form administrative, operational, and financial procedures regarding the use of City of Billings firefighting personnel in the performance of the mission of the Department of Natural Resources (DNRC)/Southern Land Office as they declare such need, and as the City of Billings Fire Department is able to respond to such requests.

To approve or not approve the Cooperative Agreement.

This agreement provides the City of Billings with invoicing authority for reimbursement of agreed upon expenses related to a request for personnel made by DNRC/Southern Land Office.  Upon completion of the assignment and within thirty (30) calendar days from that end, the City of Billings will invoice DNRC/Southern Land Office and be reimbursed for personnel costs at the assigned firefighter's overtime rates plus benefits, including Worker's Compensation assessments, longevity and other pays, as per the most recent or otherwise current City of Billings Fire Department Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 521. The City of Billings will also invoice for all other direct costs, including but not limited to travel, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous expenses as approved in advance by the DNRC/Southern Land Office.

Staff recommends that the City Council  approve the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Billings, Fire Department and the State of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation/Southern Land Office.