Chapter 44 — Municipal Merit System, Establishment

44.01 Definitions Defines key terms used throughout the municipal merit system chapter, including the meanings of words like municipality, … 44.02 Municipal Merit System, Establishment Smaller Minnesota cities (second, third, or fourth class, and statutory cities) can create a merit-based hiring and … 44.03 Merit System In cities with a merit system, all city employees are part of the classified service (covered by merit protections) … 44.04 Personnel Board Each city adopting the merit system must create a three-member personnel board, appointed by the mayor with council … 44.05 Positions; Graded, Classified The personnel board must classify all city positions by duties and responsibilities, create appropriate pay grades, and … 44.06 Appointments, Promotions All hiring and promotions in the classified service must be based on competitive examinations. Temporary appointments … 44.07 Examinations Examinations must be fair and test only job-related skills. No questions about political or religious beliefs are … 44.08 Permanent Employees, Dismissal, Suspension Permanent classified employees cannot be fired or suspended without pay for more than 30 days unless there is just … 44.09 Appeals Either the employee or the city can appeal a personnel board decision about dismissal or long suspension to the district … 44.10 Probationary Period New classified employees must complete a six-month probationary period (12 months for peace officers). Current employees … 44.11 Rules The personnel board must adopt rules covering examinations, classifications, promotions, transfers, layoffs, dismissals, … 44.12 Expenses, Payment The costs of running the merit system are shared between the city council and any independent boards or commissions, … 44.13 Contracts, Technical Services The personnel board can contract with the state, other government units, or private agencies for help conducting exams, … 44.14 Effect on Veterans Preference Law The merit system chapter does not override or limit the veterans preference laws in sections 197.455 and 197.46. 44.15 Prohibited Practices It is a misdemeanor to give or promise money, services, or anything of value to anyone in connection with a merit system … 44.16 Merit System, Abandonment The merit system can be abolished by voter approval. The council can put the question on a ballot, or voters equal to 25 …