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CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 3, ch. 3-12
in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 3-12-1 Composition.

Sec. 3-12-1. - Composition. There shall be a commission to be known as the civil service commission of the city. Such commission shall be composed of seven members who shall be appointed by the mayor, with the approval of a majority of the council. Members of the commission shall be resident citizens of the city. (Code 1985, § 9-21)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 3-12-2 Appointment of members.

Sec. 3-12-2. - Appointment of members. The mayor shall appoint members to the commission, with the approval of a majority of the council, for the following terms: two members for a term of one year, two members for a term of two years, and three members for a term of three years. One of such commissioners shall be designated by the mayor to serve as chairperson of the commission. In the event that the chairperson is unable to attend a commission hearing, the mayor shall have the power to designate someone from the commission membership to serve as substitute chairperson. Subsequent to the initial terms of the commissioners, as provided for in this section, each commissioner appointed thereafter shall serve for a term of three years. If during any term a vacancy shall occur, such vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the mayor, with the concurrence of a majority of the council, to fill the unexpired term. (Code 1985, § 9-22)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 3-12-3 Oath of commissioners.

Sec. 3-12-3. - Oath of commissioners. Each civil service commissioner shall take the following oath: "I, _______, having been appointed to the Civil Service Commission for the City of Memphis, Tennessee, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Tennessee, the laws and ordinances of the City of Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, that I will faithfully conduct myself while I serve, and that I will not become connected with, or interested in, directly or indirectly, any contract with the City of Memphis and I will be neutral and unbiased in my decisions, so help me God." (Code 1985, § 9-23; Ord. No. 5511, § 1, 8-20-2013)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 3-12-4 Compensation.

Sec. 3-12-4. - Compensation. The city council may establish by resolution, compensation for members of the civil service commission. Beginning on October 1, 2013, all commissioners shall be entitled to compensation for participation in any civil service hearing at the rate of $400.00 per full day and $200.00 per one-half day. Additionally, the commissioner charged with drafting the findings of fact and conclusions shall be entitled to an additional $100.00 in compensation. (Code 1985, § 9-24; Ord. No. 5511, § 1, 8-20-2013)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 3-12-5 Removal of commissioners.

Sec. 3-12-5. - Removal of commissioners. Any commissioner may be removed for just cause, during his or her term of office by a majority vote of the city council on recommendation by the mayor, but only after such commissioner shall have been served with a statement in writing of the reasons alleged to justify his or her removal, and only after such commissioner is allowed an opportunity to be represented and publicly heard in his or her defense before the city council. Such action of the city council shall be final. (Code 1985, § 9-25)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 3-12-6 Powers and duties of commissioners.

Sec. 3-12-6. - Powers and duties of commissioners. The civil service commission shall have the power and it shall be its duty to conduct hearings to review disciplinary actions, limited to suspensions, dismissals or demotion of any employees not exempted from the provisions of this chapter and chapter 3-8. In the course of any hearing conducted under the provisions of this chapter, the civil service commission shall have power to administer oaths, to subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses within the city and the production by them of books and papers pertinent to any matter of inquiry, and to examine such witnesses under oath in relation to any matter properly involved in such proceeding. For such purposes, the commission may invoke the power of any court of record in the city, or judge thereof, to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers in compliance with such subpoena. (Code 1985, § 9-26)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 3-12-7 Secretary.

Sec. 3-12-7. - Secretary. A. The director of personnel shall designate someone to serve as the secretary to the civil service commission. Among the duties of the secretary shall be the following: 1. Convening the hearing board of the commission; 2. Maintaining the personnel files on employees who have appealed to the commission; 3. Maintaining the minute book of hearings, which shall reflect the date of hearing, the members and interested persons attending, the decision of the commission, including the commission's written findings and conclusions, and any other pertinent information; 4. Notifying both the city and the appealing employee of the time and place of the hearing; and 5. Any other duties as assigned by the director of personnel. B. The secretary shall convene the hearing board by notifying the chairperson of the hearing date and then contacting each member on a rotating basis, until a panel of three has been selected. (Code 1985, § 9-27)
Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT3PE_CH3-12CISECOFetched: 10/28/2026

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