(A) Employees are subject to disciplinary action when their performance, work habits, attitude or conduct are unsatisfactory. Typically, disciplinary action will involve four steps; however, steps may be skipped or an employee may be immediately terminated depending on the seriousness of the conduct as determined by the Town Council.
(1) Verbal warning. A verbal warning is typically, but not always, the first in the disciplinary process. Verbal warnings are issued in a meeting with the Town Council. The Council will discuss the warning with the employee and present a written version of the warning to the employee for his or her signature. A copy of the warning will be placed in the employee’s personnel file.
(2) Written warning. A written warning is typically, but not always, the second step in the disciplinary process. At this step, the employee meets with the Town Council, the employee’s performance or conduct infraction is presented in written form, discussed and the employee acknowledges the conduct by signing the written description of the conduct. A copy of the warning will be placed in the employee’s personnel file.
(3) Final written warning. A final written warning is typically, but not always, the third step in the process. At this step, the employee meets with the Town Council, the employee’s performance or conduct infraction is presented in written form and discussed with the employee. The employee acknowledges the warning by signing the written description of the conduct and given a copy of the warning. A copy of the warning will be placed in the employee’s personnel file.
(4) Termination. This is the final step in the disciplinary process. At this step, the employee meets with the Council, the employee’s performance or conduct infraction is presented in written form, discussed and the employee and the Town Council recommends termination. The final action on termination of the employee will take place in an open meeting.
(B) Although the above steps are typically used, the seriousness of the violation may require that the town begin at any step in the procedure. These guidelines do not prevent, limit or delay disciplinary action, including immediate termination when the Council deems such action to be appropriate.
(Ord. 2016-07, passed 12-28-2016)