(A) Pursuant to IC 36-8-3.5 et seq., a Police Merit Commission ("Commission") is hereby established to administer the Police Department merit system pursuant to IC 36-8-3.5 et seq. and this subchapter.
(1) Within 60 days after the adoption of this subchapter, at least three weeks' notice shall be given to all active members of the department that a meeting will be held to approve or reject the proposed merit system. The notice shall be given by posting it in prominent places in all stations of the Department. The notice must designate the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
(2) A copy of the ordinance or resolution shall be distributed to each active member of the Department at least one week before the date of the meeting.
(3) Only active members of the Department may attend the meeting, and at the meeting one of them shall be selected as chairman. All voting must be by secret written ballot.
(4) If a majority of the active members of the Department vote to approve the merit system, the merit system takes effect on January 1 following the vote. Appointments to the merit commission shall be made by March 1 following that January 1.
(B) After approval of the merit system, all members of the Department are entitled to the same ranks and pay grades the members held under the prior system.
(Ord. 091514A, passed 11-17-14)