Council approves first reading of revised nepotism policy to mirror state law and protect fire‑department oversight

Town staff presented a redlined update to Whiteland’s nepotism policy that aligns local rules with state statute and adds a supervisory bypass when firefighters are related to a departmental supervisor. The proposed language says that if a firefighter is related to the fire chief, "the firefighter's departmental supervisory chain shall run to and end with the deputy of the fire department," effectively preventing direct supervision by a relative.

Staff explained the change is modeled on prior local code changes that prevented relatives from supervising one another and is intended as a "belt and suspenders" clarification to avoid conflicts of interest in fire‑department operations. The council voted in favor of the ordinance on first reading by a three‑to‑zero roll call and scheduled a second reading in July, noting that conflict‑of‑interest disclosures tied to the fire department would be considered after the policy finalizes.

Councilmembers generally described the update as appropriate and necessary to comply with state statute while preserving flexibility for volunteers and part‑time firefighters (state statute allows nominal stipend work while retaining volunteer status). The ordinance returns for final consideration at the next meeting.