City Code, ExplainedBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

This chapter establishes a uniform hiring process for non-uniformed City of Pottsville employees, run through a Bureau of Hiring and a three-member Hiring Board, meant to base hiring on qualifications rather than personal or political connections.

Who this affects

It affects City Council, the City Clerk's office (which administers the Bureau of Hiring), the three appointed Hiring Board members, and applicants for non-uniformed city jobs. Certain officials and civil-service-covered positions are excluded from the process.

Key rules

• The Bureau of Hiring, administered by the office of the City Clerk, prepares job applications, schedules interviews, maintains an applicant filing system, notifies the Hiring Board of vacancies, and helps confirm applicant references and prior employment.
• The Hiring Board has three members appointed by City Council, each serving a four-year term, limited to one four-year term plus any unexpired term filled.
• Hiring Board members must be citizens of the City of Pottsville.
• Upon notice of a vacancy, the Hiring Board reviews applications, may schedule interviews, and uses the Bureau of Hiring to investigate applicants and job requirements.
• The Hiring Board must consult periodically with the City Solicitor to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• The Hiring Board reports to City Council a list of the three best-qualified applicants for a vacancy, without ranking them, though it may include a brief statement on each applicant's qualifications.
• Upon receiving the Hiring Board's list of three, City Council may either hire one of the listed applicants or send the matter back to the Hiring Board for additional information or candidates.
• Exempt from this chapter: officials appointed by City Council to fill elected vacancies; appointed members of boards, commissions, and authorities; the City Engineer, City Solicitor, and Assistant City Solicitor; and the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Building Inspector, Health Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, and members of the Police, Engineering, and Electrical Departments or other civil-service-governed positions.
• The Hiring Board has no authority to set hourly wages or salaries, which remains solely with City Council.
• This chapter does not override existing contracts between the City and its non-uniformed employees.

Notable and archaic details

• The Hiring Board narrows applicants to exactly three finalists and is barred from ranking them, leaving the final selection to City Council.
• This chapter was adopted in 1994 as Ordinance No. 512.