A. All employees shall be eligible to be advanced through the five steps in their respective salary schedules in the following manner:
1. Step A. The first step is the minimum rate and shall normally be the hiring rate for the class. No employee shall be considered to be on permanent status until he or she has satisfactorily completed the probationary period.
2. Step B. The second step is a rate which a qualified, experienced, and conscientious employee may merit following the completion of six months' satisfactory service in Step A.
3. Step C. The third step is the rate which a qualified, experienced and conscientious employee may merit following the completion of one year's satisfactory service in Step B.
4. Step D. The fourth step is the rate which a fully qualified, experienced and conscientious employee may merit following the completion of a minimum of one year's satisfactory service in Step C.
5. Step E. The fifth step is the rate which a fully qualified, experienced, and conscientious employee may merit following the completion of a minimum of one year's satisfactory service in Step D.
B. The city manager may authorize the advancement of an employee to any of the last four steps of his/her allocated salary schedule earlier than would normally be attained if exceptional performance warrants. The recommendation for such advancement shall normally be initiated by the respective department head.
(Ord. 86-03-970 § 1 (part), 1986)