(A) In addition to regulations implementing those policies set out above, the County Manager shall have the authority and responsibility to implement such rules and procedures as deemed necessary for the proper administration of the county personnel system.
(B) When designating rules and regulations, the County Manager shall be guided by the following principles.
(1) All persons expressing an interest in employment with the county will be given an opportunity to apply for vacant positions.
(2) Recognizing the need of each employee to fulfill his or her maximum potential, the county will “promote from within” whenever feasible.
(3) All appointments and promotions will be made solely on the basis of bona fide occupational qualifications.
(4) The County Manager will encourage participation in personnel training and development programs which enhance an employee’s skills and promote effective public service.
(5) (a) Disciplinary actions, such as written warnings, suspensions, demotions and dismissals, may be taken only against employees who violate established work rules or standards of conduct; fail to meet performance expectations; or fail to obtain or maintain credentials, required by law or otherwise.
(b) When disciplinary actions are based on the employee’s personal misconduct, the severity of the disciplinary action imposed will depend upon factors as the seriousness of the misconduct, the employee’s prior work record, the employee’s knowledge of the rules or standards involved and the motive behind the employee’s misconduct.
(c) When disciplinary actions are based on poor work performance or violation of work rules, a regular employee must have been given an opportunity to make his or her work performance satisfactory.
(d) Prior to suspension without pay, demotion or dismissal, a regular employee must be given oral or written notice of the charges against him or her, an explanation of the evidence supporting those charges, and an opportunity to present his or her side of the story.
(6) Reductions in force may result from changes in programs, cutbacks in funding, reorganization or decreased workload. Affected employees will be evaluated for continued employment on the basis of seniority and past performance.
(7) Employees may engage in political activities away from work and outside of working hours, in accordance with state and federal law. However, political activity has no place in the conduct of county employment or service to the public. Use of county time, supplies or equipment for political purposes is prohibited.
(8) Employees shall not accept gifts or favors in any way related to their position with the county.
(9) Outside employment may be restricted to prevent interference with efficient county service.
(10) Employment of relatives may be restricted to minimize problems in the workplace.
(C) All administrative regulations shall be consistent with the Board of Commissioners’ stated employment policies as set out herein and supplemented or revised from time to time and with other federal, state and local law.
(Ord. passed 11-4-1985; Ord. passed 7-17-2006)