Civil Service Commission

Authorizing Statute:
Township Civil Service System Act, Public Act 246 of 1965,
MCL 38.451, et seq.

Authorities and Responsibilities:
The commission shall:

(a) Classify all the offices and positions of employment within the classified service. The classification shall be subdivided into groups and shall be based upon and graded according to the duties and responsibilities of the positions, and shall be so arranged as to permit the filling of the higher grades through promotion. All salaries shall be uniform for like service in each grade of the classified service as the same shall be classified and standardized by the commission. The classification and standardization of salaries shall not be final until approved by the township board, and salaries shall not be paid except in accordance with the classification and standardization.

(b) From time to time make, in accordance with the provisions of this act, rules adopted to carry out the purposes of this act and not inconsistent with its provisions for the examination and selection of persons to fill the offices and positions in the classified service which are required to be filled by appointment, and for the selection of persons to be employed in the service of the township.

(c) Supervise the administration of the civil service rules, hold examinations thereunder from time to time, giving notice thereof, prepare and keep an eligible list of persons passing such examinations and certify the names of persons thereon to the appointing officers of the several departments.

(d) By itself or otherwise, investigate the enforcement of the provisions of this act, of its own rules and of the action of appointees in the classified service. In the course of such investigation, the commission or its authorized representative may administer oaths, and the commission by its subpoena may secure both the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers relevant to the investigation.

(e) Provide, through the purchasing department of the township, all needed supplies for the use of the commission.

(f) Such other powers and perform such other duties as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.

(g) Prepare and hold open competitive examinations in order to test the relative fitness of all applicants for appointment to the classified service. At least 2 weeks' notice shall be given of all examinations.

(h) Cause to be kept in each department and division thereof, records of the service of each employee, known as “service records”. These records shall contain fact statements on all matters relating to the character and quality of the work done and the attitude of the individual to his work.

(i) Keep a roster of the employees of the township, together with a record of service, military or naval experience, and such other matters as may have a bearing on promotion, transfer or discharge. All such “service records” and employees' records shall be confidential and not open for public inspection.

Established By:
Townships with a population of 60,000 or more may establish a civil service commission by board resolution and subsequent approval by the township electors at a regular or special election. In any township where the township civil service system is adopted, there shall be a civil service commission.

Membership:
The township board, at its next regular or special session after the adoption of this act in any township, shall appoint, by a majority vote of the members elect, 3 electors of the township as members of the civil service commission, to take office as soon as appointed and qualified, and who shall serve for the following terms as designated in the resolution of appointment: One member for a term expiring 2 years from December 31 of that year, 1 member for a term expiring 4 years from December 31 of that year, and 1 member for a term expiring 6 years from December 31 of that year. Biennially thereafter, the township board shall appoint by majority vote 1 civil service commissioner for a term of 6 years to take office on January 1 of the next year and succeed the commissioner whose term shall next expire. The commissioner whose term shall next expire shall serve as chairman of the commission.

Any vacancy occurring on the commission shall be filled for the unexpired term by the township board by a majority vote of the members elect. Each commissioner shall serve until his successor is appointed and qualified.

Not more than 2 of the commissioners so appointed shall be members of the same political party. Two members of the commission constitute a quorum thereof.

The township board by a 2/3 vote of all the members elect may remove a commissioner during his term of office, but only after serving the commissioner with a statement in writing of the reasons for such removal, and allowing him an opportunity to be represented and publicly heard in his defense.

Compensation to Members:
Each commissioner shall receive $10.00 compensation for each day's service for not to exceed 25 days in any one year, and such necessary traveling expenses and mileage as may be incurred in the actual performance of his duties; such compensation and expenses to be fixed by the township board. For the first 2 years after the adoption of the civil service system, compensation may be paid for not to exceed 50 days' service in any one year.

OMA/FOIA Status:
Public body subject to Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act.