(a) Membership. The Civil Service Commission shall consist of five (5) electors of the Municipality not holding other municipal office or appointment, to be appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of a majority of the members of Council. The term of members shall be four (4) years. Members may succeed themselves. A vacancy occurring during the term of any member of the Commission shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the members of Council. Present members of the Civil Service Commission at the time this Charter amendment is adopted shall continue to serve until their terms are completed.
(Amended 11-7-23)
(b) Officers. The Commission shall designate one of its members as chairman and may appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the Commission and may hold other municipal office or appointment. The Mayor shall have the right to remove any member for cause.
(c) Classification of Service. The civil service of the Municipality is hereby divided into the unclassified and the classified service.
The classified service shall include all sworn police officers in the Police Department including the Police Chief, and all Police radio dispatchers.
The classified service shall also include all sworn officers in the Fire Department including the Fire Chief.
All other directors, officers, elected officials, members of boards and commissions, employees and any other persons in positions not specifically included in the classified service shall be in the unclassified service.
(d) Duties. In all matters dealing with the civil service of the City, the Commission shall provide by rule for ascertainment of merit and fitness as the basis for appointment and promotion in the classified service of the Municipality, as required by the Constitution of the State of Ohio; for the basis and method for determination of eligibility, certification, appointment and promotion of candidates for positions in the classified service; for the conduct of the affairs of the Commission; and for appeals from the action of the Mayor in any cause of transfer, reduction, suspension, or removal, and the action of the Commission on any such appeal shall be final. The Commission may adopt rules or regulations in accordance with home rule which may differ from state law, including but not limited to rules and regulations concerning examinations, eligibility lists, appointments, probationary periods, promotions, transfers, layoffs, leaves of absence, reductions in pay or position, suspensions, removals, resignations, job abolishments, discharges, assignments or re-assignments, reinstatements, or appeals from the actions of the Mayor, and the manner of conducting related proceedings. The Commission shall keep a record of its proceedings which shall be open to public inspection.
(e) Compensation and Funds. Members of the Civil Service Commission shall serve without compensation unless otherwise provided by ordinance. A sufficient sum shall be appropriated by the Council each year to carry out the civil service provisions of this Charter.
(Amended 11-4-08; 11-5-13)