Civil service system

All positions in the city are grouped into classifications for the purpose of including in each class those positions sufficiently similar that the same descriptive title may be used with clarity to designate each position allocated to the classification. Positions are grouped into classifications in regard to:

  • Duties performed and responsibilities;
  • Minimum qualification requirements of education, experience, licenses and certifications;
  • Tests of knowledge, skills, and abilities used to recruit employees;
  • Pay grades; and
  • Job title.


The director of Human Resources, under the direction of the chief administrative officer, periodically reviews the positions in the civil service system and recommends to the urban county council the reclassification of positions from one class to another class, or the reallocation of positions from one pay grade to another pay grade, whenever the director determines (subject to review by the commission for classified civil service positions) that the classification and/or pay grade is no longer consistent with the actual work performed.

Reference:
Code of Ordinances, Sec. 21-02. – Adoption and amendment of the plan.
Code of Ordinances, Sec. 22-02. – Adoption and amendment of the plan.
Code of Ordinances, Sec. 23-02. – Adoption and amendment of the plan.
CAO Policy 17: Standard Operating Procedures for Position Studies

Classified civil service positions

Unless otherwise provided by law, all city positions are in the classified civil service. After successful completion of a six-month probationary period, no employee in the classified civil service will be reprimanded, suspended, dismissed, or reduced in grade or pay for any reason except inefficiency, misconduct, insubordination, or violation of law involving moral turpitude. Any classified civil service employee may appeal such actions to the civil service commission. Other benefits are provided in sections 21-31 through 21-42 in the code of ordinances.

Civil service commission

A five-member civil service commission (“commission”) advises and helps Human Resources on all matters pertaining to the management and administration of the Classified Civil Service System (“classified civil service”). The commission officially certifies lists of qualified candidates eligible for positions in the classified civil service, before submission to the appointing authority. This body also hears disciplinary appeals filed by classified civil service employees and determines dismissal from the classified civil service.

Reference:
Charter, Section 9.02. – The Classified Civil Service.
KRS 067A.230 Civil service commission – Membership – Terms – Rule-making and enforcement powers.
Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21 – Comprehensive Plan for Classified Civil Service System.

Unclassified civil service positions

By charter, unclassified civil service positions are exempted from the classified civil service. They include (a) elected officials and persons appointed to fill vacancies in elective offices, (b) the chief administrative officer, (c) department commissioners of all executive departments, (c) temporary, seasonal, or part-time employees, and (d) all persons employed to conduct special inquiries, investigations, or studies for the city.

Temporary positions are established for a fixed, definite period and in no case for an indefinite period. They include seasonal positions and positions for the conduct of special inquiries, investigations, or studies for the city. Except as otherwise provided by law, any individual holding a position in the unclassified civil service shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority.

With regard to benefits for unclassified civil service employees, certain full-time, unclassified civil service officers and employees (with the exception of seasonal employees) are eligible for the benefits provided in sections 21-31 through 21-42 in the code of ordinances for classified civil service employees. For more information on which unclassified civil service positions are eligible for such benefits, see chapter 22, articles II and III in the Code of Ordinances. Most part-time employees are eligible only for the benefits provided in section 22-59 in the Code of Ordinances.

Reference:

CHARTER, SECTION 9.02. – THE CLASSIFIED CIVIL SERVICE.
KRS 067A.210 Definitions.
Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 – Unclassified Civil Service.
Code of Ordinances, Sec. 22-56. – Temporary positions.
Code of Ordinances, Sec. 22-57. – Part-Time positions.
Code of Ordinances, Sec. 22-59. – Benefits.

Sworn positions

Sworn positions in Community Corrections, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Lexington Police Department are subject to the terms of their respective collective bargaining agreements. Members shall refer to their respective agreements.

Quick links

Contact