NC H470

Authorizes the cities of Greensboro and Winston-Salem to establish Civil Service Boards with five members appointed through city council selection, classified service employee election, mutual agreement of police and fire chiefs, and majority vote of the other four members.

Board members must be qualified voters not employed by the city, serve two-year terms without compensation, and former employees must have been separated from city employment for at least seven consecutive years prior to appointment.

Civil Service Board has authority to make substantive and procedural rules for the classified service, including position classification, probationary periods (not exceeding one year), suspension for discipline (up to 90 days), and discharge procedures requiring written notice and public hearing.

Provides classified service employees the right to a hearing before the Board if discharged, suspended, reduced in rank, transferred against will, or denied promotion or raise, with the burden of proof on the city and appeal rights to Superior Court for trial de novo.

Board Secretary is the city clerk or designee, responsible for meeting minutes, records, electronic recording of proceedings, and distributing agendas and minutes to all city employees; independent legal counsel may be designated with independent counsel use limited to 20 hours per year.