"Employee" means any person who performs public duties under the direction and control of a Lyon County officer for compensation paid by Lyon County, including Lyon County's judicial services personnel.
"Improper governmental action" is defined as action taken by an officer or employee in the performance of official duties which is:
A. In violation of state law or regulation;
B. In violation of city code, ordinance, or regulation adopted by the employer;
C. An abuse of authority;
D. Of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety; or
E. A gross waste of public money.
“Officer” means a person elected or appointed to a position within Lyon County that involves the exercise of a local governmental power, trust, or duty, including:
A. Actions taken in an official capacity which involve a substantial and material exercise of administrative discretion in the formulation of Lvon County policy;
B. The expenditure of money of Lyon County; and
C. The enforcement of laws and regulations of Lyon County.
"Official authority or influence" includes taking, directing others to take, recommending, processing, or approving any personnel action such as an appointment, promotion, transfer, assignment, reassignment, reinstatement, restoration, reemployment, evaluation, or other disciplinary action.
"Reprisal or retaliatory action" means adverse action taken, in whole or in part, because of the disclosure of improper governmental action. It includes:
A. The denial of adequate personnel to perform duties;
B. Frequent replacement of members of the staff;
C. Frequent and undesirable changes in the location of an office;
D. The refusal to assign meaningful work;
E. The issuance of letters of reprimand or evaluations of poor performance;
F. A demotion;
G. A reduction in pay;
H. The denial of a promotion;
I. A suspension;
J. A dismissal;
K. A transfer;
L. Frequent changes in the working hours or workdays;
M. If the employee is licensed or certified by an occupational licensing board, the filing with that board, by or on behalf of Lyon County, of a complaint concerning the employee; or
N. Knowingly placing false information, including without limitation, a false complaint, in the personnel file of the employee. (Ord. 546, 2-17-2011; amd. Ord. 612, 5-7-2020)