Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tolleson public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in public safety with medium priority
Albertsons National Opioid Settlement Participation
The city was scheduled to consider joining the Albertsons national opioid settlement, which could bring settlement funds related to opioid litigation.
Community CPR and AED Training
The Fire Department has started offering CPR and first aid classes to the public — not just city employees. With most cardiac arrests happening at home, learning CPR could save a family member's life.
Lithium-ion battery fire safety
Fire Chief Young warned that batteries in phones, laptops, e-bikes and scooters can cause fast-moving fires. Tips: charge on hard surfaces, never under pillows, use approved chargers, unplug when full, and recycle damaged batteries at retailers.
Overdose prevention and response
The council declared August 31 Overdose Awareness Day; Chief Good credited the police and fire departments' Leave Behind program and Narcan education as national overdose deaths dropped from roughly 100,000 to 50,000 in four years.
Pension compliance and trainee participation questions
The board still has open questions about required physical exams, records handling, and letting trainees join the pension system — decisions that affect how recruits enter public safety careers in Tolleson.
Regional fire apparatus sharing agreement
Tolleson joined nine other agencies in an updated agreement to share fire apparatus across the West Valley, improving backup coverage during big emergencies.
El Mirage dispatch services agreement
El Mirage pays Tolleson nearly $1.5 million this year for police and fire dispatch services, plus a one-time $112,000 payment for a radio console upgrade.
West Valley Investigative Response Team IGA
Tolleson joined seven other West Valley cities and Wickenburg in a joint investigative response team agreement running through July 2031.
Firefighter Health Services Agreement with Phoenix
A five-year deal keeps Tolleson firefighters connected to the Phoenix Fire Department Health Center for occupational health services.
New Officer Enrolled in Police Pension System
New officer Brian Romero was enrolled in the city's police retirement system, with a pre-existing medical condition formally noted on the record. Noting pre-existing conditions matters for future disability pension determinations.
High-Pressure Private Fire Hydrants
Fire crews found 309 private hydrants at 20 businesses with water pressure above what their equipment can handle — a risk after a near-miss in Glendale. Crews train to use alternate hydrants, and a regional search for a pressure-reducing device is ongoing.
Hand-in-Homeless Outreach Program Performance
The county's Hand-in-Hand program struggled at first, but after Tolleson police pressed for accountability, response times dropped from 24 hours to under an hour. The council renewed the $5,000 contract with a promise of a mid-year review in January.