Policies And Procedures For "Unclassified Employees" Of The Houston County Commission
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR “UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES” OF THE HOUSTON COUNTY COMMISSION
POLICY #27
DATE ADOPTED: 10‑14‑08
MINUTE BOOK: 36 PAGE
1. Purpose and Use of the Policy and Procedures for Unclassified Employees
The Policy and Procedures for Unclassified Employees of the Houston County Commission (“Policy”) is for the use of all Unclassified Employees and should help each person perform his or her work effectively and in as professional and complete a manner as possible. Everyone should become thoroughly familiar with the provisions of the Policy. The Policy is designed to inform all Unclassified Employees of the Commission’s policies in general, and should be consulted and used on a continuing basis.
The contents of this Policy are presented as a matter of information and for employee guidance only and are neither intended to create, nor are they to be construed to constitute, an offer of contract or a contract, express or implied, between the Commission or any of its employees. All employment contracts, if any, with Unclassified Employees shall be made outside of the Policy and in writing with all appropriate formalities. Unless otherwise provided by separate contract or agreement, all Unclassified Employees are employed by the Commission as “AT WILL EMPLOYEES” meaning that employees may resign at any time, or the Commission may terminate their employment at any time with or without any cause (i.e., for a good reason, a wrong reason or no reason) or notice. No employee of the Commission has the authority to alter or amend this paragraph with regard to any employee. No contract for employment or any other specific rights or procedures relative to your employment is intended or granted by this Policy.
2. Definitions
A. “Annual Leave.” Leave with pay accumulated by Unclassified Employees for vacation or personal time off. Unless otherwise agreed, Annual Leave accrues and is used in the same manner as provided by the Personnel Board Rules for Classified Employees.
B. “Commission.” The Houston County Commission of Houston County, Alabama.
C. “Excessive Hours” or “Excessive Hours of Work.” Hours exceeding ninety (90) hours within a single pay period.
D. “Exempt Positions.” Salaried Unclassified Positions exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
E. “FLSA.” The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended.
F. “Personnel Board.” The Personnel Board of Houston County, Alabama.
G. “Personnel Board Rules.” The Rules and Regulations of the Personnel Board of Houston County, Alabama.
H. “Policy.” This Policy and Procedures for Unclassified Employees.
I. “Sick Leave.” Leave time accumulated for illness and related reasons, accrued and used in the same manner as provided by Personnel Board Rules unless otherwise determined by the Commission.
J. “Unclassified Employees” or “Unclassified Positions.” “At will” employees who report directly to the Commission, County Engineer, or CAO, and who are part of the “Exempt Service” under Personnel Board Rules and Act 84‑578.
3. Appointment
The Commission may fill Unclassified Positions in any manner it deems necessary to secure the most qualified individual. There are no geographical restrictions. Applications, resumes, or other methods may be used. All Unclassified Employees serve “at will.”
The Commission expects Unclassified Employees, especially department heads, to provide leadership and set high standards of job performance.
4. Discipline
A. The Commission has broad authority and discretion in disciplinary matters. When a disciplinary matter involves the good name and character of an employee, discussion should occur in executive session.
B. Unclassified Employees not in Exempt Positions shall be addressed to the Commission Chairman, who may handle the matter or delegate it to the CAO or department head.
5. Administrative Leave
Administrative leave is granted at the discretion of the Commission. If the matter involves the good name and character of the employee, discussion should occur in executive session.
6. Pay and Benefits
The Commission determines pay, raises, promotions, salaries, and benefits for Unclassified Employees. All must be budgeted and approved as required by law.
7. Work Schedule and Overtime
Exempt Unclassified Employees (salaried) may have work schedules established by the Commission or department head. Exempt Positions may require more than forty hours per week and do not receive overtime pay unless mandated by law.
Exempt Employees who work Excessive Hours may be granted additional paid leave:
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One hour of leave per Excessive Hour worked
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Maximum accumulation: 40 hours
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Leave is a privilege, not a right
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Unused leave is forfeited upon separation
Employees must submit time and attendance records each pay period.
8. Leaves of Absence
Official leave types include: holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, jury leave, special meetings/conferences, administrative leave, and additional paid leave for Excessive Hours.
Unauthorized absence may result in disciplinary action.
9. Holidays
Unclassified Employees receive the same holidays as those set by the Personnel Board unless otherwise determined by the Commission.
10. Annual Leave
Unclassified Employees accrue Annual Leave in the same manner as Classified Employees unless otherwise determined by the Commission.
11. Sick Leave, Military Leave, National Guard/Reserve Training Leave, Civil/Legal Leave, Hazardous Weather Leave, FMLA Leave
Unclassified Employees receive these leaves under the same rules as Classified Employees unless otherwise determined by the Commission.
12. Special Meetings and Conferences
Unclassified Employees may attend approved meetings and conferences. Travel or meeting days count only as the employee’s normal scheduled hours for Excessive Hours calculations.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
THE COMMISSION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, CHANGE, DISREGARD, SUSPEND, OR CANCEL ANY PART OF THIS POLICY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE.
Adopted and effective October 14, 2008.