This public letter was contributed by Hollister Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3395. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artÃculo en español aquÃ.Â
May 20, 2025
David Mirrione City Manager City of Hollister
375 Fifth Street
Hollister, CA 95023
Subject: Vote of No Confidence in Your Leadership
Dear Mr. Mirrione,
On behalf of the Hollister Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3395, we are writing to formally express a vote of no confidence in your leadership as City Manager of Hollister.
This is not a decision we made lightly. It reflects deep and ongoing concerns that have escalated over time-concerns that directly impact public safety, fiscal integrity, employee morale, and the trust between city leadership and the community we serve.
Our concerns are clear and urgent:
1. Fiscal Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency
The City’s failure to publish Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports since 2021 is a fundamental breach of public accountability. This absence of transparency not only violates public trust but raises serious questions about how taxpayer dollars are being managed.
2. Jeopardizing Public Safety
Your handling of fire protection contract negotiations has been marked by poor judgment and secrecy, placing both our firefighters and residents at unnecessary risk. These actions have jeopardized public safety, strained relationships with partner agencies, and exposed the city to significant financial and operational risk.
3. Dysfunctional Leadership and Micromanagement
You have demonstrated a consistent pattern of micromanaging the department head’s responsibilities, limiting his ability to lead and manage the team. Despite multiple efforts by the association to engage in discussions regarding departmental priorities, strategic direction, operations, training, and logistics, the chief has consistently deferred decision- making by stating that he must first consult with the city manager. This dynamic has contributed to an environment of dysfunction, reduced efficiency, and low morale across the fire department.
4. Understaffing Despite Available Funding
The refusal to fill funded firefighter positions continues to leave our department dangerously understaffed, jeopardizing the safety of both firefighters and residents. Open firefighter positions from personnel that have resigned and retired have been neglected to be filled, creating an increase in mandatory shifts worked by department personnel. Your disregard to fill these funded positions has elevated the departments overtime budget during a time when you have mandated the department to make budget cuts.
5. Breach of Labor Agreements
Repeated violations of our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) have eroded the integrity of our collective bargaining process and damaged labor relations. We have requested to meet and confer on many topics, such as staffing levels, city directives, and vacancies.
6. Retaliation Against Union Leadership
Your administration has shown a troubling pattern of retaliating against union leaders who speak up for safety and fairness. Such conduct is toxic in any workplace-and unacceptable in public service.
7. Neglect of Critical Equipment and Training Needs
Chronic delays in repairing essential apparatus and a lack of support for training have gone unaddressed, further endangering our ability to do our jobs effectively.
8. Misplaced Priorities
While core services like fire protection remain strained, the City has prioritized hiring non- essential positions and promoting the Hollister Motorcycle Rally, a controversial event that has historically exhausted city resources.
We are committed to protecting the lives and property of this community. But we can no longer do so in silence while leadership decisions jeopardize that mission.
This letter is a formal declaration: we no longer have confidence in your ability to lead the City of Hollister effectively, ethically, or responsibly.
We respectfully urge the Hollister City Council to take immediate action-reassess your leadership, and ensure the City is once again led with transparency, accountability, and a clear commitment to public safety.
Sincerely,
Hollister Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3395
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