As the Austin firefighters union was meeting to discuss a potential vote of no confidence in Chief Joel Baker, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Mayor Kirk Watson each issued statements condemning the association and announcing their support for Baker.
“It is disappointing that the Association would make these allegations and consider such a vote,” Broadnax said in a rare public statement, referring to explosive allegations by Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks that Baker had contributed to the death toll in the Kerr County floods by barring all mutual aid requests.
“I’m disappointed in Bob,” Watson said.
He accused Nicks of “politicizing” the flood as the city prepares to enter negotiations with the association over a new labor contract in the coming weeks and as Council prepares to adopt what is expected to be a tight budget in August.
Watson also said he had been in direct contact with Texas Division of Emergency Management Nim Kidd throughout the weekend. Kidd characterized Austin’s response to the floods as “above and beyond,” according to Watson.
Broadnax hit on a similar note in his statement.
“The City of Austin, and the Austin Fire Department in particular, have a very long track record of supporting and sending aid to neighboring communities in need,” Broadnax said in the statement.
Nicks plans to put forth a motion Tuesday at a regularly scheduled union meeting to initiate a no-confidence vote in Baker.
The American-Statesman reported Monday on claims by Nicks that officials with the Texas Division of Emergency Management sent an “informal” request for assistance to the Austin Fire Department on July 2 and 3 and that both requests were denied.