The City of Hurst Volunteers-In-Action Program has been an integral part of City government operations for over 25 years. It is the first municipal volunteer program to be recognized by the state of Texas. The Citywide volunteer force is a valuable resource that provides each City department with a viable alternative when addressing future staffing needs.
Three important program objectives are:
- To provide the City with an alternative to the funding of additional personnel requests;
- To limit the effects of ever-increasing workloads on existing staff;
- To provide the citizens of Hurst with an opportunity to make valuable contributions toward improved services and an enhanced quality of life.
These goals are very important as the cornerstone of the VIA program. City Council and the City leadership are committed to the VIA program. The implementation of the program by department heads and staff are key to making the program a success.
Each department should evaluate additional staffing requests in light of the availability of volunteers to help with the workload. All positions or work assignments may not be conducive to the utilization of volunteers. The awareness of the benefits of utilizing the volunteer program is an important aspect that each City department should realize as individual volunteer assignments are made.
The volunteer program has resulted in substantial dollar savings in the day-to-day operations of the City, as well as in the time and personnel required to meet special projects needs. The support that each department gives to the VIA program is vital to its success.
It is the sincere hope of the City Council and administration that each department support and embrace the VIA program, and each volunteer assigned to their department. With each department's assistance, the overall program can function effectively, serving as a valuable resource, and at the same time, provide substantial savings to City taxpayers and enhancements to City services.
