Chapter 2.24
POLICE AND FIRE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Sections:
2.24.030 Subject to regulations.
2.24.040 Compliance with state law.
2.24.060 Vacancy filling procedure—Probationary period.
2.24.010 Created.
Pursuant to the authority conferred by RCW Chapter 41.08 and RCW Chapter 41.12 there is created a city civil service commission to exercise the powers and perform the duties established by state law in connection with the selection, appointment, and employment of police and fire department employees, excluding the police chief and fire chief. (Ord. 1195 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 626 § 1, 1962)
2.24.020 Membership.
Such commission shall be composed of three members to be appointed by the mayor, who shall serve without compensation. Such commission shall have the qualifications prescribed by RCW 41.08.030 and RCW 41.12.030. (Ord. 1195 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 626 § 2, 1962)
2.24.030 Subject to regulations.
A. Except for the position of chief of police all applicants for employment with the police department of the city shall be required to have the qualifications, be subject to examinations, have a tenure of office and be subject to removal as provided by the civil service regulations adopted by such commission consistent with RCW Chapter 41.12.
B. Except for the position of fire chief, all applicants for full paid employment with the fire department of the city shall be required to have the qualifications, be subject to examinations, have a tenure of office and be subject to removal as provided by the civil service regulations adopted by such commission consistent with RCW Chapter 41.08. (Ord. 1195 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 1125 § 2, 1991: Ord. 626 § 3, 1962)
2.24.040 Compliance with state law.
Such commission upon appointment, qualification and organization shall hold meetings, adopt rules and regulations, perform the duties and exercise the powers of such commission in compliance with the state law governing same. (Ord. 1195 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 626 § 4, 1962)
2.24.050 Eligibility.
A. Except for the position of chief of police, all members of the police department shall be eligible to the benefits accruing under RCW Chapter 41.12 and this chapter by compliance with regulations of the commission and upon successfully qualifying for permanent appointment and promotion on merit, efficiency and fitness which shall be ascertained by such qualifying examination and practical investigation as the civil service commission may provide.
B. Except for the position of fire chief, all full paid employees of the fire department shall be eligible to the benefits accruing under RCW Chapter 41.08 and this chapter by compliance with regulations of the commission and upon successfully qualifying for permanent appointment and promotion on merit, efficiency and fitness which shall be ascertained by such qualifying examination and practical investigation as the civil service commission may provide. (Ord. 1195 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 1125 § 3, 1991: Ord. 626 § 5, 1962)
2.24.060 Vacancy filling procedure—Probationary period.
A. The purpose of this section is to provide a standard method of filling vacancies in the police and fire department by the mayor.
B. Whenever a position in the classified service becomes vacant, the mayor, if he desires to fill the vacancy, shall make requisition upon the commission for the names and addresses of the three persons highest on the eligible list for appointment thereto. The commission shall certify the names of the three persons highest on the eligible list for the class to which the vacant position has been allocated, who are willing to accept employment. If there is no appropriate eligible list for the class, the commission shall certify the names of the three persons standing highest on said list held appropriate for such class. If more than one vacancy is to be filled, three additional names shall be certified for each additional vacancy. The mayor shall forthwith appoint one of these three persons to such vacant position.
C. Whenever requisition is to be made, or whenever a position is held by a temporary appointee and eligible list for the class of such position exists, the commission shall forthwith appoint one of those three persons so certified to said position. No person so certified shall be laid off, suspended, or given leave of absence from duty, transferred or reduced in pay or grade, except for reasons which will promote the good of the service specified in writing, and after an opportunity to be heard by the commission, and then only with its consent and approval.
D. To enable the appointing power to exercise a choice in the filling of positions, no appointment, employment or promotion in any position in the classified service shall be deemed complete until after the expiration of a period of probationary service as may be provided in the rules of the civil service commission, during which the mayor may terminate the employment of the person certified to him, if during the performance test thus afforded, upon observation or consideration of the performance of duty, the mayor deems him unfit or unsatisfactory for service in the department. Whereupon, the mayor shall designate one of the three persons standing next highest on any such list and such person shall likewise enter upon said duties until some person is found who is deemed fit for appointment, employment or promotion for the probationary period provided therefor, whereupon the appointment, employment or promotion shall be deemed to be complete. (Ord. 1195 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 1114 § 1, 1991; Ord. 859 §§ 1, 2, 1977)