Albany Measure R1 2016

Civil Service Board

Simple majority vote required

The Question:  Shall the Albany City Charter be amended to dissolve the City’s Civil Service Board and to add a definition for the term “classified service”?

The Situation:  Board is also responsible for holding examinations for applicants, promotion, transfer, etc. The Board also hold a Hearing to hear disputes related to members of the “Classified Service”. The Charter does not clearly define the term “Classified Service”, but that term has been interpreted to include all sworn police and fire employees except for the Police Chief and Fire Chief.  An independent review of City advisory bodies in 2012 found the Board unnecessary to the City function and recommended its dissolution.

The Proposal:  The proposed Charter amendment would dissolve the Civil Service Board. The duties would be fulfilled by the City’s management staff unless otherwise directed by the City Council. The proposed Charter amendment also would add a definition of “Classified Service” which clearly states that this term includes all sworn police and fire employees except for the Police Chief and Fire Chief.

Fiscal Effect:   The City’s General Fund will no longer pay for a Civil Service Board.  Effect is uncertain in that it is  not known if additional City staff may be needed.

Supporters Say: 

  • The Civil Service Board was codified in the original City Charter to ensure fairness in the employment practices for all persons who are in the Classified Service.
  • Current rules and regulations related to the Classified Service personnel are governed by statute, case law and contracts, and the Board has little actual discretion to enact rules.
  • The dissolution of the Civil Service Board would not negatively impact employees.
  • This adds an unnecessary bureaucratic layer of oversight, hampering the speed and productivity of staff. We don’t want any roadblocks in the hiring of police and fire personnel.

Opponents Say:   No argument was filed by opponents.

A “Yes” vote means:  A “Yes” vote means that the Civil Service Board will be dissolved and its duties incorporated into duties of the City Staff as determined by City Council.

A “No” vote means:  A “No” vote means that the Civil Service Board will continue.