Meeting of January 8, 2026.

Summary

The Charter Review Committee met on January 8, 2026, to discuss proposed amendments to the city charter regarding the civil service system and department heads. The committee reached consensus on several key changes to civil service provisions:

• Rule of Three: The eligibility list will be revised to include candidates within the three highest whole scores.
• Probationary Period: The Civil Service Commission will be authorized to set probationary periods up to 18 months, except for sworn personnel who will remain at 12 months.
• Promotional Reallocation: The charter will authorize promotional reallocations even when there is no vacancy.

No changes were recommended for eligibility list duration, bumping rules during layoffs, or the duration of layoff and reinstatement lists. Regarding department heads, the committee agreed on a non-interference provision but recommended no changes to civil service status or council approval for hiring/removal.

Citizen Impact

These changes will affect how city employees are hired, promoted, and managed within the civil service system. Residents may see shifts in hiring processes and timelines for city positions, potentially impacting service delivery and employee retention.

Confidence

high