Chapter 2.20
TOWN OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
Sections:
2.20.030 Classification of employees.
2.20.040 Positions appointed by the town council.
2.20.050 Positions appointed by the town manager.
2.20.060 Positions appointed by department heads.
2.20.080 Nonemployee positions.
2.20.090 Compensation and benefits.
2.20.100 Conditions of employment.
2.20.110 Political contributions.
2.20.010 Creation and scope.
The council shall adopt a personnel system for the employees of the town, the provisions of which shall apply to all employees of the town except elected officials and nonemployee positions. The council may adopt rules, regulations and policies to give effect to this title, which may be modified from time to time. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.020 Town officers.
In addition to the members of the council, the officers of the town shall be the town manager/town marshal, assistant town manager, town attorney, town clerk, finance director, and town engineer. Each such officer shall be bonded as provided in ARS 9-302. [Ord. 2024-173 § 1; Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.030 Classification of employees.
All town employees shall be designated either classified or unclassified. The extent to which certain personnel rules or provisions apply to particular employees will depend upon whether those employees are working as classified or unclassified employees.
A. Unclassified Employees. Unclassified employees are part of a responsive management team which exists to carry out the goals and policies of the town. Any grievance or appeal process outlined in any personnel manual or similar document shall not apply to unclassified employees, and such employees shall be considered “at-will” employees, unless employed under a written employment contract or as otherwise set forth in this title. “At-will” employment is defined as employment that may be terminated upon the will of the employer or employee, at any time, with or without cause. At-will employees who do not have employment contracts are not guaranteed any minimum length of employment. Unclassified employees shall be paid according to performance and qualifications, as determined by their appointing authority (either the council or the town manager). However, such unclassified employees shall receive general salary increases which may be granted from time to time at the discretion of their appointing authority. In the event that an unclassified employee is employed pursuant to a contract, the contract terms shall prevail over any conflicting terms set forth in this chapter.
B. Classified Employees. All employees of the town not specifically designated as an unclassified employee shall be deemed to be a classified employee. Different rules and policies, however, may be established for different groups of classified employees. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.040 Positions appointed by the town council.
The town manager/town marshal shall be appointed from time to time by the council as provided in STC 2.25.020. The town attorney shall be appointed from time to time by the council as provided in STC 2.30.020. The town magistrate shall be appointed from time to time by the council as provided in STC 2.35.020. The employees appointed as provided in this section shall be unclassified employees. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.050 Positions appointed by the town manager.
The town manager shall organize the town into multiple departments, and shall appoint a department head to manage each such department. All department heads shall be appointed from time to time by the town manager, and shall be unclassified employees. The town manager may also appoint one or more assistant or deputy town managers, who shall be unclassified employees and work at the will of the town manager. Department heads shall report directly to the town manager, or an assigned assistant or deputy town manager, and will be employed at the will of the town manager. [Ord. 2021-159 § 1; Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.060 Positions appointed by department heads.
All other personnel shall be appointed from time to time by a department head, with the approval of the town manager, and shall be classified employees. They shall report directly to the department head or their supervisor, and shall work at the pleasure of their department head, as provided in this code and the town personnel system. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.070 Deputy employees.
The duties of a department head may be delegated by that department head to a deputy when such deputy position exists. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.080 Nonemployee positions.
The following appointed positions shall not be considered to be employment positions and exist outside of town personnel system:
A. All elected officials and members of boards and commissions;
B. Volunteer personnel and personnel appointed to service without pay;
C. Personnel who render temporary, provisional or special assignment; and
D. Those engaged by the town on a contractual basis except the employees appointed as provided in STC 2.20.040. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.090 Compensation and benefits.
The compensation and benefits of town employees and officers shall be fixed from time to time by the employee’s respective appointing authority, with the approval of the town manager. All benefits afforded to classified employees shall be afforded to unclassified employees unless alternate or additional benefits are approved by the council. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.100 Conditions of employment.
The appointment, promotion and tenure of every employee shall be conditioned solely on merit and fitness and the satisfactory performance of the duties and responsibilities assigned. No employee or applicant shall be discriminated against because he or she is a member of a class that is protected by state or federal law. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]
2.20.110 Political contributions.
No officer, official or employee of the town shall use any influence or pressure upon any employee to obtain any assessment or contribution of money or time, either direct or indirect, for any political campaign or personal gain. [Ord. 2016-111 § 2.]