§ 4-1-53. Rules of employee conduct; maximum disciplinary actions.

(a)

Offenses which will result in disciplinary action include but are not limited to those presented in this section. Since the violation of some rules is more serious than the violation of others, these rules have been divided into three groups. Discipline listed for each group constitutes the maximum allowable discipline, and any lesser discipline may be imposed in a particular case. At the occurrence of any of the listed offenses, or any that are not listed, the appropriate discipline shall be determined after the particular circumstances of the case have been carefully considered.

(b)

Although the offenses listed in this section are grouped according to severity, the groups are not to be considered as independent of one another. For example, an employee who has been suspended or demoted for a group B violation may be discharged for any group A violation that occurs within the next 12 months. A period of 12 months from the date of a violation will clear the employee's record of such violation.

(1)

Group A.

a.

A first violation may result in a written warning. One copy shall be placed in the employee's folder in the personnel office and one copy shall be given to the employee.

b.

A second violation may result in suspension of up to one week without pay, or demotion.

c.

A third violation may result in discharge.

d.

Group A offenses include the following:

1.

Failure to follow oral or written instructions.

2.

Inefficiency or lack of application in the performance of duties.

3.

Careless, negligent or improper use of county property or equipment.

4.

Thoughtless conduct which endangers others or results in minor property damage.

5.

Failure to maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public or fellow employees.

6.

Repeated failure to report for duty at the assigned time and place.

7.

Unexcused absence.

8.

Reading books, magazines or other materials not pertaining to work while on duty.

9.

Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.

10.

Engaging in horseplay.

11.

Knowingly using county equipment in an unauthorized manner.

(2)

Group B.

a.

A first violation may result in suspension of up to one week without pay, or demotion.

b.

A second violation may result in discharge.

c.

Group B offenses include the following:

1.

Reporting for duty while under the influence of intoxicants or drugs.

2.

Willful failure to use safety equipment or refusal to comply with safety rules.

3.

Unauthorized sleeping while on duty.

4.

Gambling on county property.

5.

Thoughtless conduct which results in injury to others or in more than minor property damage.

6.

Improper use of leave.

7.

Unprovoked use of excessive force or language in dealing with the public.

8.

Actively engaging in political activities as prohibited by the personnel policy.

(3)

Group C.

a.

A first violation may result in discharge.

b.

Group C offenses include the following:

1.

Falsification of records or misrepresentation of material information.

2.

Unauthorized or improper use or disclosure of county records or documents.

3.

Misuse of county funds.

4.

Willfully causing damage or destruction of equipment or property belonging to the county or to fellow workers.

5.

Insubordination.

6.

Thievery.

7.

Being the aggressor in a fight on county property while on duty.

8.

Drinking or possession of alcoholic beverages or drugs while on duty.

9.

Unauthorized possession of firearms on county property.

10.

Unauthorized absence of three days.

11.

Conviction of a serious crime or felony which impairs ability to continue in public employment.

(Code 1980, § 4-1-53; Ord. No. 5-85, § 3, 6-4-85; Ord. No. 21-89, § I, 8-1-89)