(A) There is created and adopted within the county a Merit Commission, which will have the duty, pursuant to recognized merit principles of public employment, of certification for employment and promotion, and, upon complaint of the Sheriff as further described in this subchapter, to discipline or discharge as the circumstances may warrant those personnel in the classified service of the Sheriff.
(B) The Merit Commission shall consist of three members appointed by the Sheriff with the approval of the majority of the members of the County Board.
(C) The members appointed shall serve for a term of six years.
(D) If a vacancy occurs in the office of a Commissioner, the Sheriff with the approval of a majority of the members of the County Board, shall appoint a suitable person to serve the unexpired portion of the Commissioner’s term. If the Sheriff fails to appoint a person to fill a vacancy within 30 days, the Chairperson of the County Board shall appoint a person to fill the unexpired portion of the term with the approval of the majority of the members of the County Board.
(E) No more than two Commissioners appointed may be affiliated with the same political party.
(F) Any members of the Sheriff’s Merit Commission serving at the time of the adoption of this subchapter, shall serve out the unexpired portions of their respective terms and shall carry out their duties in accordance with this subchapter.
(Res. passed 10-17-2012)