County and city civil service

Wis. Stat. ch. 63
in effect

Wis. Stat. § 63.01 County civil service commission; appointment; terms

(1) There shall be a civil service commission in every county containing 750,000 inhabitants or more according to the last state or United States census and in all other counties the county board of supervisors may establish a civil service commission, called “commission” in ss. 63.01 to 63.16. Such commission shall consist of 5 members, all of whom shall be legal residents of the county. Appointments shall be made on the basis of recognized and demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the problems of civil service. No person holding any elective or appointive public position or office of any sort in said county government shall be appointed thereon. (2) Except as provided under s. 59.17 (2) (c), the chairperson of the board of supervisors of any county, within 30 days after ss. 63.01 to 63.16 become applicable thereto, shall appoint the members of the commission, designating the term of office of each. The appointment and designation shall be subject to confirmation by the board of supervisors. Of the persons first appointed one shall hold for one year, one for 2 years, one for 3 years, one for 4 years, and one for 5 years from the first day of January next following appointment, and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. In the month of December of each year, immediately preceding the expiration of the term of office of any commissioner, the board of supervisors shall elect one member of the commission to hold office for the term of 5 years, from the first day of January next succeeding the appointment and until a successor is elected and qualifies. (3) Every person appointed a member of said commission shall take and file the official oath. (4) Each member of the commission shall receive such salary as the county board shall determine, which shall not be less than $200 for service performed in any one year. Such compensation shall be paid by the county treasurer on the certificate of the director of personnel, countersigned by the county auditor, if any.

Wis. Stat. § 63.02 Rules; secretary; employees; offices

(1) Such commissioners, as soon as possible after their appointment and qualification, shall prepare and adopt such rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of ss. 63.01 to 63.16 as in their judgment shall be adapted to secure the best service for the county in each department affected by said sections, and as shall tend to promote expedition and speed the elimination of all unnecessary formalities in making appointments. Such rules shall be printed and distributed in such manner as reasonably to inform the public of the county as to their purpose, and shall take effect 10 days after they are published. (2) The director of personnel shall cause the minutes of its proceedings to be taken and fully transcribed. The original transcribed copy shall be the official minutes of such proceedings and shall be open and available for public inspection. The director of personnel shall preserve all reports made to the commission, keep a record of all examinations held under its direction and perform such other duties as the commission may from time to time prescribe. The director of personnel shall be appointed by the county executive in the unclassified civil service and is subject to confirmation by the county board, as provided in s. 59.17 (2) (bm). (3) The board of supervisors in every county in which a commission is appointed shall provide suitable offices, furniture, stationery, light, heat, telephone and all other necessary supplies and conveniences to enable the commission to perform its duties.

Wis. Stat. § 63.03 Classification

(1) In every county in which a commission is appointed, under ss. 63.01 to 63.16, all offices and positions in the public service in the county shall be divided into 2 classes, namely, the classified and the unclassified service. All such offices and positions, however created or filled, shall be included in the classified service, except as provided under subs. (2) and (3). (2) Except as provided under sub. (3), the following officers and positions in every county with a commission created under ss. 63.01 to 63.17 shall be in the unclassified service: (a) All officials elected by the people. (b) All members of boards and commissions. (d) Court reporters of circuit court. (f) Undersheriff. (g) Deputy register of deeds. (h) Chief deputy clerk of the circuit court. (i) Deputy county clerk. (j) Deputy county treasurer. (k) Deputy coroner. (km) All members of the staff of a district attorney’s office in any county with a population of 750,000 or more, except employees engaged in clerical and stenographic work. (n) Investigators in the office of the district attorney, when authorized by the county board. (o) Students and interns in medical or professional specialties. (p) Residents in the medical specialties. (q) Members of the medical staffs of the various hospitals, sanatoriums, and other county institutions who are supplied by a medical school or medical societies without expense to or compensation from the county. (r) All staff performing services for the Milwaukee County enrollment services unit under s. 49.825 or for the child care provider services unit under s. 49.826. (s) County executive. (sg) Medical examiner in any county with a population of 750,000 or more. (sm) Corporation counsel in any county with a population of 750,000 or more. (t) Administrative secretaries to county executive and county board. (u) Persons between the ages of 14 and 19 who perform part-time services of 20 hours per week or less under a work-creation program devised by the county. (v) Persons 16 years of age or older who perform training or services, or both, under a work experience program developed by the county or developed under federal auspices or sponsorship. Persons qualifying under this paragraph shall not be eligible for benefits under ch. 108. (w) Sergeant at arms to the county board. (x) Employees engaged in the operation of a public transportation system. (y) Any position of general manager under s. 27.03 (2), director under s. 46.21 (1m) (a), department director under s. 59.52 (1), director of personnel under s. 63.02 (2) or county highway commissioner under s. 83.01 (1). (z) Circuit court commissioners under s. 757.68 (1) employed on a full-time basis. (3) Except as otherwise provided in the statutes, if a commission created under ss. 63.01 to 63.17 deems such action to be necessary to secure the best service for the county, the commission may: (a) Transfer any position of department head, deputy department head, associate department head or immediate assistant department head from the classified service to the unclassified service if the position is in pay range 30 or above. The appointing authority for department heads transferred to or from the classified service under this paragraph shall be designated by county ordinance prior to appointment of any person to any such transferred position. Such appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the county board. (b) Transfer nonelective offices or positions, other than undersheriff, from the unclassified service under sub. (2) to the classified service.

Wis. Stat. § 63.04 Appointments; promotions and removals in classified service

On and after January first next succeeding the date when ss. 63.01 to 63.16 become applicable in any county no person shall be appointed or promoted to, reduced in, transferred to or in, or removed from the classified service in any such county, except in accordance with the provisions of said sections.

Wis. Stat. § 63.05 Certifications; appointments; temporary assignments

(1) If an appointing authority in any county with a commission under ss. 63.01 to 63.16 learns that a vacancy has occurred or is about to occur in any position in the classified service in his or her department, the appointing authority shall notify the director of personnel of the vacancy. The appointing authority shall include with the notice of the vacancy a recommendation as to whether the vacancy should be filled by promotion, reduction or reinstatement of a named individual employee from any county department or from an eligible list established under s. 63.08. The director of personnel, with the approval of the commission, may: (a) After verification by the appointing authority that the recommendation of the appointing authority is based on the employee’s merit and fitness for the position and that the employee meets the established minimum qualifications for the position, certify the employee’s name to the appointing authority; or (b) Certify to the appointing authority the number of persons standing highest on the eligible list. The number of persons certified may be set by the commission by rule, subject to s. 63.08 (1) (f). The number set by the commission may not be less than 5. If less than 5 names appear on an eligible list at the time that the director of personnel receives the notice of a vacancy, the director may certify the names on the list and the appointing authority may: 1. Appoint from the certified names; or 2. Request the certification of additional names. (2) From the names certified under sub. (1) (b), the appointing authority shall make a selection to fill a vacant position based solely on merit and fitness. (3) If at the time the director of personnel receives a notice of a vacancy under sub. (1) there is no eligible list for the vacant position, the appointing authority may fill, temporarily, the position by an emergency appointment, subject to any rule or restriction which the commission adopts.

Wis. Stat. § 63.06 Rights of employees in military service

Any person in the classified service in any such county who is now or hereafter becomes an active member of the military or naval forces of the United States during a period officially proclaimed to be a national emergency or limited national emergency or under P.L. 87-117, shall be granted leave of absence, such leave to be continuous for the duration of the existing emergency or duty, plus 90 days. Service toward seniority or salary advancement shall be deemed not to be interrupted by such military service, provided that persons occupying a probationary status upon commencing such military leave shall revert to such status upon reinstatement. Application for reinstatement shall be made within 90 days from honorable discharge from the military service. Evidence of honorable discharge shall be presented to the civil service commission with such application. The position of the person so on leave shall not be filled except by appointment through the certification of the persons next eligible. Upon application of the person so on leave and presentation of evidence of such honorable discharge and of such evidence of physical fitness to perform the duties of the position formerly occupied as shall be satisfactory to the civil service commission the person shall be reinstated in the position formerly occupied by the person or in a position having similar character and standards of duties and compensation, if such military service was not for more than 4 years unless extended by law. The person appointed to fill such position during the absence of the person so on military leave shall, upon the latter’s reinstatement, be transferred to a similar position if one is available, or if not, that person’s name shall be placed on the appropriate reinstatement list in accordance with the rules of the civil service commission.

Wis. Stat. § 63.07 Temporary appointments

(1) (a) When need exists for the filling of a position in the classified service for a period of not to exceed 6 months’ duration, a temporary appointment shall be made for such period from the proper eligible list or as provided in s. 63.05 (3). Such temporary appointment may be extended once for not to exceed 6 months by resolution of the county board after receipt by it of a recommendation for such extension from the civil service commission. The acceptance or refusal by an eligible of a temporary appointment shall not affect that person’s standing on the eligible register for permanent employment nor shall the period of service of any temporary appointment be counted as a part of the probationary service required after appointment to a permanent position. (b) This subsection shall apply to a position created on a temporary basis or to a temporary appointment to a position created on a permanent basis. As to either of such methods of filling a position which has existed for more than one year on June 19, 1941, the county board shall within 60 days after said date provide for filling such position on a permanent basis or abolish the same.

Wis. Stat. § 63.08 Eligible lists

(1) Competitive examination. (a) Any applicant for an examination under s. 63.05, other than an applicant for a deputy sheriff position under s. 59.265 (2), shall be a resident of this state before applying for an examination, but the commission may not require any period of residency in the county for entrance to an examination or employment in the county. The commission may require an applicant to file a written application form which bears upon the applicant’s fitness for a vacant position and which the commission deems necessary. For a position offering a skilled, technical, or professional service, upon a finding that a suitable number of qualified applicants cannot be obtained from within the state, the commission may open the examination to residents of other states. Residency in this state may be waived for an applicant for an examination for a position which requires a license in a health care field. No question pertaining to political affiliation or religious faith may be asked of any applicant for an examination. (b) Every examination, including minimum training and experience requirements, to fill a vacant position under this section shall be job-related in compliance with appropriate validation standards. Any experience, whether paid or unpaid, which is relevant to the duties of the position shall be applied toward satisfaction of experience requirements. The names of the persons passing the examination shall be placed on an eligible list in the order of their final grades in the examination. The director of personnel shall certify the list under s. 63.05. (c) No otherwise qualified handicapped person shall be discriminated against in examination, reexamination, appointment, reappointment, promotion or demotion relating to a vacant position under s. 63.05 (1) unless the handicap is reasonably related to the individual’s ability to adequately undertake the job-related responsibilities of that individual’s employment. (d) To ensure competitive equality in an examination under this section between a handicapped applicant and an applicant who is not handicapped, the handicapped applicant may request that the commission furnish a reader or an appropriate place to take the examination or other similar accommodations. (e) Upon the request of a person who is applying or eligible for a position under this section and who is handicapped, the department of health services shall obtain from the commission a detailed description of the duties of the position, shall investigate the necessity of physical, sensory and mental abilities in the fulfillment of the duties and shall determine and report its findings to the commission as to the physical ability of the applicant or eligible person to perform the duties. The finding shall be conclusive as to the physical qualifications of any applicant or eligible person examined under this paragraph. (f) 1. The commission may not impose any restriction as to age on any veteran who is applying or eligible for a position under this section. The commission shall give preference points to veterans and their spouses under par. (fm), except as provided under subd. 2. 2. Notwithstanding par. (fm), persons shall be certified from the eligible list under s. 63.05 (1) (b) without adding any preference points to any person’s grade. 3. After the certification under subd. 2., any veteran or veteran’s spouse whose grade, plus the points to which the veteran or spouse is entitled under par. (fm), is equal to or higher than the lowest grade on the list made under subd. 2. shall be added to the certification list under s. 63.05 (1) (b). The number of persons added to a certification list under this subdivision may not exceed the number of persons initially certified under subd. 2. (fm) 1. A preference shall be given to those veterans and to those spouses of veterans specified in subd. 1. a. to f. who gain eligibility on any competitive employment register and who do not currently hold a permanent appointment or have mandatory restoration rights to a permanent appointment to any position. A preference means the following: a. For a veteran, that 10 points shall be added to his or her grade. b. For a disabled veteran, that 15 points shall be added to his or her grade. c. For a disabled veteran whose disability is at least 30 percent, that 20 points shall be added to his or her grade. d. For the spouse of a disabled veteran whose disability is at least 70 percent, that 10 points shall be added to the spouse’s grade. e. For the unremarried spouse of a veteran who was killed in action, that 10 points shall be added to the spouse’s grade. f. For the unremarried spouse of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability, that 10 points shall be added to the spouse’s grade. 2. An applicant who is certified for a position after receiving a preference under subd. 1. d., e., or f. and who is appointed to that position may not obtain a preference under subd. 1. d., e., or f. for any other civil service position for which the applicant subsequently applies. (g) The time and place of an examination under this section, the requirements of the position and other necessary information shall be sufficiently advertised to give notice of the examination. (2) Noncompetitive examination. (a) The director of personnel, with the approval of the commission, may hold a noncompetitive entrance examination or a noncompetitive promotional examination if it is impractical to hold a competitive examination and if the examination is for a position: 1. In an unskilled class of work which has no administrative or supervisory responsibilities and which requires no verbal or clerical skills for proper performance of the duties of the position; or 2. Requiring highly specialized or technical training which can be adequately demonstrated by possession of related certification or licensing. (b) The names of the persons qualified under par. (a) shall be placed on the eligible list under the rules of the commission. The requirements of sub. (1) (a) shall apply to applicants for examination under this subsection.

Wis. Stat. § 63.09 Efficiency records; promotions

The director of personnel, under the direction of the commission and with the advice of the heads of the departments involved, shall devise and introduce as rapidly and extensively as practicable a system of efficiency records to be based, among other things, upon the quantity and quality of the work performed and the regularity and punctuality of attendance. After such system is introduced, the various departments thereby affected shall maintain it. The director of personnel shall also, under the direction of the commission, prepare a classification of subordinate positions in accordance with their natural tendency to fit their incumbents to fill higher offices or positions in the service of the county. The commission shall provide in its rules that the efficiency records of an employee in one of the aforesaid lower positions shall be given due weight in the examination of such employee for higher offices or positions to which they naturally lead, to the end that such higher offices or positions in the service shall be filled as far as possible by promotion.

Wis. Stat. § 63.10 Demotion; dismissal; procedure

(1) Whenever a person possessing appointing power in the county, the chief executive officer of a department, board or institution, the county park commission, county election commission, civil service commission, and county board of welfare as to officers and employees under their respective jurisdictions, believes that an officer or employee in the classified service in that person’s, commission’s or board’s department has acted in such a manner as to show the officer or employee to be incompetent to perform the officer’s or employee’s duties or to have merited demotion or dismissal, the person, commission or board shall report in writing to the civil service commission setting forth specifically the complaint against the officer or employee, and may suspend the officer or employee at the time such complaint is filed. It is the duty of the director of personnel to file charges against any officer or employee in the classified service upon receipt of evidence showing cause for demotion or discharge of the officer or employee in cases where a department head or appointing authority neglects or refuses to file charges. Charges may be filed by any citizen against an officer or employee in the classified service where in the judgment of the commission the facts alleged under oath by the citizen and supported by affidavit of one or more witnesses would if charged and established amount to cause for the discharge of the officer or employee. The commission shall forthwith notify the accused officer or employee of the filing of the charges and on request provide the officer or employee with a copy of the same. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the power of the department head to suspend a subordinate for a reasonable period not exceeding 10 days. In case an employee is again suspended within 6 months for any period whatever, the employee so suspended shall have the right of hearing by the commission on the second suspension or any subsequent suspension within said period the same as herein provided for in demotion or dismissal proceedings. (2) The commission shall appoint a time and place for the hearing of said charges, the time to be within 3 weeks after the filing of the same, and notify the person possessing the appointing power and the accused of the time and place of such hearing. At the termination of the hearing the commission shall determine whether or not the charge is well founded and shall take such action by way of suspension, demotion, discharge or reinstatement, as it may deem requisite and proper under the circumstances and as its rules may provide. The decision of the commission shall be final. Neither the person possessing the appointing power nor the accused shall have the right to be represented by counsel at said hearing, but the commission may in its discretion permit the accused to be represented by counsel and may request the presence of an assistant district attorney to act with the commission in an advisory capacity. (3) If the county and a labor organization representing employees of the county enter into a collective bargaining agreement under subch. IV of ch. 111, the agreement may provide that the provisions of the agreement relating to dismissal, demotion and suspension shall supersede this section with respect to employees covered by the agreement while the agreement is in effect. This subsection does not apply to any action under sub. (1) to suspend an employee with pay.

Wis. Stat. § 63.11 Standard scale of compensation

The director of personnel, under the direction of the commission and in cooperation with the county clerk, or county auditor, if any, and with the heads of the various departments, shall devise and recommend to the board of supervisors a standardized scale of wages and salaries for all county offices and positions in the classified service. The wage scale shall be graduated according to the duties performed, the length of service and efficiency records of the officers or employees, and the time of day or night those services are performed by the establishment of shifts. The supervisors shall consider and act in some way upon this scale at the last meeting of the board of supervisors in the month of October next following its recommendation, and if adopted it shall go into effect on the first day of January following its adoption, or at such other date as may be provided by law.

Wis. Stat. § 63.12 Investigations; testimonial powers; witnesses

(1) Each member of the commission may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, examine witnesses and compel the production of documents, records, and papers of all sorts in conducting such investigations as the commission may deem necessary or proper in order to ascertain whether or not the provisions of ss. 63.01 to 63.16 are being carried into effect. The commission may examine such public records as it requires in relation to any such investigation. All officers and other persons in the civil service of the county shall attend and testify when required to do so by the commission. (2) In case of the refusal of any person to comply with any subpoena issued hereunder or to testify to any matter regarding which the person may be lawfully interrogated, the circuit court of the county or the judge thereof, on application of any one of the commissioners, shall issue an order requiring such person to comply with such subpoena and to testify, or either, and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof. (3) Each person, not in the civil service of the county, who appears before the commission by its order shall receive for attendance the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil actions in courts of record which shall be paid out of the appropriation to the commission. But no witness subpoenaed at the instance of parties other than the commission shall be entitled to witness fees or mileage unless the commission certifies that the testimony of the witness was relevant and material to the matter investigated.

Wis. Stat. § 63.13 Certification of payrolls

No payment for personal services of any officer or employee in the classified service of any county wherein ss. 63.01 to 63.16 are applicable shall be made by any county officer unless the commission has certified that the officer or employee claiming such payment is holding a position legally under the provisions of said ss. 63.01 to 63.16 and the rules of the commission. Such certification shall be required on each and every payroll for each and every office and position in the county service, which is subject to the provisions of said ss. 63.01 to 63.16. County officers making payments in violation of this section shall be liable for the full amount thus paid and shall be deemed guilty of a violation of the provisions of said ss. 63.01 to 63.16, and subject to the penalties provided in s. 63.17.

Wis. Stat. § 63.14 Prohibited influences and practices

(1) Except as provided otherwise by s. 63.08 (1) (f), no factor or influence other than the fitness of a person to perform the duties of the position in which the person is acting or employed, or to which the person is seeking appointment, shall affect the determination of appointments, promotions, transfers, suspensions or discharges with respect to any position within the scope of ss. 63.01 to 63.16. (2) The following practices are especially forbidden in any county wherein ss. 63.01 to 63.16 are applicable: Pernicious political activity by any county officer or employee in the classified service; the giving of any consideration, whether financial or otherwise, in return for appointment to a position in the service of said county; the obstruction or deceiving of any person desiring to take an examination under the provisions of said sections, or desiring to secure information concerning any such examination; the deliberate mismarking or miscalculation of grades of any applicant taking an examination under said sections; the impersonation by any person of any other person in connection with the holding of any examination under said sections; and the giving to or receiving by candidates for examination information or assistance enabling such candidates to obtain an unfair or improper advantage over other candidates for the same examination. (3) No county specified in s. 63.01 or any department, officer or employee thereof shall hire or employ a person, subject to civil service in such county, at a wage or salary less than that advertised by the civil service commission of such county for the position to be filled, nor shall such county, department, officer or employee pay, or cause to be paid, salaries or wages of different amounts to persons in the same classification and stage of advancement, unless such difference in salaries or wages shall be based on difference of work performed or the time of day or night of performance of work; provided that where there has been a general reclassification of title and compensation of positions the county board is authorized to provide by ordinance that persons having civil service tenure at the effective date of such reclassification and occupying positions which have been reclassified, so as to result in a decrease in compensation, may continue to serve under the position title as it existed prior to such reclassification and receive the compensation thereof according to the former range during their tenure, and in the event that such general reclassification shall result in a position being reclassified to a higher grade, and the present incumbent of such position shall not have or by examination attain eligibility for certification to such higher grade, the incumbent shall retain the status and compensation of the position during the incumbent’s tenure of the position in conformity with civil service. (4) The county board of any county specified in s. 63.01 is authorized to provide by ordinance the establishment of wage or salary differentials to collect shift differentials within one classification based upon the time of day or night of the performance of work.

Wis. Stat. § 63.15 Existing officers and employees, how affected

(1) In a county where ss. 63.01 to 63.16 go into effect after March 14, 1984: (a) The commission shall administer a noncompetitive examination to any person who is appointed by the county for a definite term, who is included within the classified service of the county on the date that ss. 63.01 to 63.16 go into effect in the county and who has been in service and on the payroll of the county less than 4 years preceding that date. The person shall retain his or her position if the commission determines, based on the person’s performance on the examination, that the person is qualified for the position. (b) Any person who is included within the classified service appointed by the county for a definite term, who is included within the classified service of the county on the date that ss. 63.01 to 63.16 go into effect in the county and who has been in service and on the payroll of the county continuously for at least the 4 years immediately preceding that date shall retain his or her position without any examination. (2) If a department, unit or other established entity and its employees are brought into the county service in a county in which ss. 63.01 to 63.16 are in effect, any employee in a position required to be in classified service shall retain his or her position if the person takes a noncompetitive examination and if the commission determines, based on the examination, that the person is qualified for the position. (3) No provision of this section prevents suspension, demotion or discharge of any employee subject to ss. 63.01 to 63.16 under s. 63.10 or an applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Wis. Stat. § 63.16 Appropriation for commission

A sufficient sum shall be provided each year by the county board of supervisors of each county in which ss. 63.01 to 63.16 become operative to enable the commission created thereunder, to exercise the powers and perform the duties therein specified.

Wis. Stat. § 63.17 Violations, county civil service

Any person who willfully, or through culpable negligence, violates any provisions of ss. 63.01 to 63.16, or any rule promulgated in accordance with the provisions thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not less than 30 days, nor more than one year or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.

Wis. Stat. § 63.18 First class city commission; appointment; terms

The mayor of each 1st class city, whether the city is incorporated by special act of the legislature or under the general laws of the state, shall, before June 15 in the year following the first state or national census, showing the city to belong to the 1st class, appoint 5 persons, citizens and residents of the city, who shall constitute and be known as the board of city service commissioners of the city, and shall designate one of the persons so appointed to serve for a term of 5 years, one for a term of 4 years, one for a term of 3 years, one for a term of 2 years, and one for a term of one year, from the first Monday of July in the year of their appointment and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. In cities having a board of city service commissioners the members of such board shall hold office and continue to be a member of such commission until the expiration of the term or terms of such member or members, and in each and every year after such first appointment, the mayor shall, in like manner, in the month of June, appoint one person as the successor of the commissioner whose term shall expire in that year, to serve as such commissioner for 5 years from the first Monday of July then next ensuing, and until a successor is appointed and qualified. The commission shall, at a meeting in July of each year, elect one member to act as president and one member to act as vice president, each for a term of one year, and until a successor is duly elected. Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum necessary for the transaction of business. Any vacancy in the office of commissioner occurring during the term shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the mayor and all appointments, both original and to fill vacancies, shall be so made that not more than 2 commissioners shall at the time of the appointment be members of the same political party. The commissioners shall hold no other lucrative office or employment under the United States, this state, or any municipal corporation or political division thereof, and each commissioner shall before entering upon the discharge of the duties of office and within 10 days after receiving notice of appointment, take and subscribe the oath of office prescribed by article IV, section 28, of the constitution, and file the oath, duly certified by the officer administering it with the clerk of his or her city.

Wis. Stat. § 63.19 Duties and powers of board

Every board of city service commissioners appointed under ss. 63.18 to 63.53 shall investigate the enforcement of ss. 63.18 to 63.53 and of its rules, adopted in accordance with ss. 63.18 to 63.53 to carry out the purposes of ss. 63.18 to 63.53 and the action of the examiners provided for in ss. 63.18 to 63.53, and the conduct and action of the appointees in the official service in its city, and may inquire as to the nature, tenure and compensation of all offices and places in the public service thereof. In the course of such investigation each commissioner may administer oaths, and the board may secure by its subpoena both the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers relevant to the investigation. The commission may investigate the character and standing in the community of all applicants for examination and appointment in the city service under ss. 63.18 to 63.53.

Wis. Stat. § 63.20 Compulsory attendance and fees of witnesses

Any person who is served with a subpoena to appear and testify or to produce books and papers, issued by the board of city service commissioners in the course of any investigation conducted under ss. 63.18 to 63.53, and who refuses or neglects to appear and testify or to produce books and papers relevant to the investigation, as commanded in the subpoena, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall on conviction be punished by a fine or imprisonment or both, as provided under ss. 63.18 to 63.53. The fees of witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same as the fees of witnesses before the circuit courts of this state, and shall be paid from the appropriation for the expenses of the board. Any circuit court of this state or any judge thereof, upon application of the board, may compel the attendance of witnesses, the production of books and papers and giving of testimony before the board by attachment for contempt or otherwise, in the same manner as the production of evidence may be compelled before the court. Every person, who takes an oath or makes affirmation before a commissioner in the course of the investigation, and swears or affirms willfully, corruptly and falsely, shall be guilty of perjury, and upon conviction shall be punished accordingly.

Wis. Stat. § 63.21 Annual report

The board of commissioners shall, on or before March 15 in each year, make to the mayor for transmission to the common council of such city, a report showing its own action, the rules in force, the practical effects thereof, and any suggestions it may approve for the more effectual accomplishment of the purposes of ss. 63.18 to 63.53. The mayor may require a report from the board at any other time.

Wis. Stat. § 63.22 City and its officers to cooperate in carrying out the law

All officers of any such city shall aid the board in all proper ways in carrying out ss. 63.18 to 63.53, and at any place where examinations are to be held, shall allow the reasonable use of the public buildings for holding such examinations. The mayor of each city shall cause suitable rooms to be provided for the board at the expense of the city, and a sufficient sum of money shall be appropriated each year by each city to carry out ss. 63.18 to 63.53 in the city.

Wis. Stat. § 63.23 Classification of offices

(1) The city service commission shall classify all offices and positions in the city service, excepting those subject to the exemptions of s. 63.27 and those subject to an exclusion under s. 119.33 (2) (e) 1. or 119.9002 (5) (a), according to the duties and responsibilities of each position. Classification shall be so arranged that all positions which in the judgment of the commission are substantially the same with respect to authority, responsibility and character of work are included in the same class. From time to time the commission may reclassify positions upon a proper showing that the position belongs to a different class. (2) The city service commission may, if it sees fit, receive any expert study or recommendation of the classification, allocation and compensation of offices and positions in the service of the city and transmit the same, with or without the commission’s recommendations, to the common council. Any such report shall become effective when approved by the common council.

Wis. Stat. § 63.24 Commission to make rules

The commissioners shall make such rules adapted to carry out the purposes of ss. 63.18 to 63.53 and not inconsistent with ss. 63.18 to 63.53, as in their judgment shall be adapted to secure the best service for the city in each department affected by ss. 63.18 to 63.53, and as shall tend to promote expedition and speed the elimination of all unnecessary formalities in making appointments. All rules so made shall be subject to the approval of the mayor of the city, and they may with like approval be from time to time altered or rescinded by the commissioners. If the mayor takes no action on a rule or an amendment to the rules, submitted to the mayor, within 10 days from the date of its submission, then the rule or amendment to the rules shall become effective as though approved by the mayor. The commissioners shall supervise the administration of rules so established.

Wis. Stat. § 63.25 Rules, what to require

(1) The rules mentioned in ss. 63.18 to 63.53 shall provide among other things for the following: (a) For open, competitive examinations and for other examinations by which to test applicants for office or for employment as to their practical fitness to discharge the duties of the positions which they desire to fill, which examinations shall be public and free to all persons with proper limitations as to age, health, and, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, arrest and conviction record. (b) For the filling of vacancies in offices and places of employment in accordance with the results of such examinations, and for the selection of persons for public employment in accordance with such results, or otherwise, as may seem most desirable to carry out ss. 63.18 to 63.53. (c) For the promotions in offices or positions on the basis of ascertained merit and seniority in service, or by examination, or by both, as may seem desirable. (d) For a period of probation before an appointment or employment is made permanent. During or at the end of such probationary period the appointment may be terminated by the commissioners after investigation, or the appointing officer or board may terminate same, but in case of termination by the appointing officer or board the commission may, under its general investigative powers, review the circumstances and take such action as may in its judgment seem desirable for the best interests of the service. Nothing herein shall be construed to confer on any officer or employee a right of appeal as provided in s. 63.43 during or at the end of the probationary period. (2) All rules made as provided in ss. 63.18 to 63.53 and all changes therein shall forthwith be printed for distribution by the board.

Wis. Stat. § 63.26 Appointments to conform to rules

From and after the adoption of such rules, all appointments to subordinate offices, positions and employments in the several departments of the service of such city, which are subject to such rules, shall be made by the respective heads of such departments under and in conformity with the provisions of such rules.

Wis. Stat. § 63.27 Rules not applicable to certain officers

Officers who are elected by the people, or who by the statutes are required to be elected by the city council, inspectors and clerks of election, one deputy in each department whose office was created and exists by reason of statute, the members of the board of school directors, persons enumerated in s. 63.53 (2), heads of principal departments of the city, all members of the law, fire and police departments, permanent or temporary technical advisers and experts employed by the board of assessment under s. 32.52 (4), one private secretary of the mayor, the appointees of the mayor under s. 62.51 and any other officers, clerks or employees in the service of the city whose positions, in the judgment of the city service commissioners, cannot for the time being be subjected, with advantage to the public service, to the general rules prepared under this chapter shall not be affected as to their election, selection or appointment by rules made by the commissioners.

Wis. Stat. § 63.28 Civil service to include stenographic and clerical employees in the office of the city attorney

The expression “members of the law, fire and police departments” as used in s. 63.27 and as used in any charter ordinance in any city of the first class which may supersede, amend, extend or modify said section for said city, shall be held to include all employees of the law department of such city who are members of the bar engaged in legal duties but shall not be held to include clerks, stenographers, typists or other employees of the law department who are not members of the bar.

Wis. Stat. § 63.29 Civil service for attorneys in office of city attorney

(1) In any city of the first class the common council may by ordinance provide for civil service in the office of the city attorney except for the city attorney and the deputy city attorney. (2) The matters treated in this section are declared to be of local and not statewide concern.

Wis. Stat. § 63.30 Secretary; selection, duties

The board of city service commissioners shall select a secretary of the board, who shall be its chief executive and administrative officer and who shall, subject to its direction and control, administer the city civil service law and rules and the personnel statutes and ordinances governing city service employment, direct and coordinate the work and staff of the board, act as liaison officer between the board and the several departments, bureaus, boards and commissions and perform such other duties as the board may direct.

Wis. Stat. § 63.31 Funds for board

The common council of any city of the first class shall hereafter provide such funds for the annual support and operation of the board of city service commissioners as in its judgment may be necessary for the purpose of carrying out all of its functions, duties and responsibilities assigned to it by law or by the common council. The procedure applicable to appropriations and disbursements of such board shall be determined as provided in ch. 65.

Wis. Stat. § 63.32 Applicants to be examined; character of examinations

All applicants for offices, places or employments in the civil service of such city, except those mentioned in s. 63.27, shall be residents of this state before their application for examination, and shall be subject to examination under and in accordance with the rules so made by said commissioners; except that for technical and professional services the commission may open the examination to residents of other states who are citizens of the United States. Such examinations, including minimum training and experience requirements, shall be job-related in compliance with appropriate validation standards and may include tests of physical qualifications, and, when appropriate, of manual skill. All relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid, shall satisfy experience requirements. No otherwise qualified blind persons shall be discriminated against in examination, reexamination, appointment, reappointment, promotion or demotion unless eyesight is absolutely indispensable for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the position. No question in any examination shall relate to political or religious opinions or affiliations, and no appointment or selection to an office or for employment within the scope of the rules established as aforesaid shall be in any manner affected or influenced by such opinions or affiliations. All such applicants may be examined by a competent physician as to the soundness of their health for the work to be performed. Upon the request of an applicant or an eligible for a civil service position who is blind, the department of health services, shall obtain from the city civil service commission a detailed description of all duties entailed by such position and shall investigate the necessity for eyesight in the fulfillment of the duties of any position, and shall determine and report its findings to the civil service commission, as to the physical ability of the applicant, or eligible, to perform the duties of such position. Such findings shall be conclusive as to the physical qualifications of any applicant or eligible so examined.

Wis. Stat. § 63.33 Examinations reasonable

The examinations held under ss. 63.18 to 63.53 shall consist of any reasonable and impartial method of ascertaining the fitness or relative merit of candidates. To ensure competitive equality between the blind and persons not so handicapped in connection with the taking of civil service examinations, the applicant may request from the civil service commission the furnishing of an amanuensis or a reader when necessary, and the furnishing of a place to take the examination, or other similar prerequisites to ensure equality in the examination.

Wis. Stat. § 63.34 Notice of examinations

Notice of the time, place and general scope of every examination shall be given by the board by publication of a class 3 notice, under ch. 985, and such notice shall also be posted by said board in a conspicuous place in its office at least 10 days before such examination. Such further notice of examinations may be given as the board shall prescribe.

Wis. Stat. § 63.35 Application, contents

(1) Every application, in order to entitle the applicant to appear for examination, or to be examined, must state the facts under oath on the following subjects: (a) Full name, residence address and post-office address. (b) Citizenship. (c) Age. (d) Place of birth. (e) Health and physical capacity for the public service. (f) Previous employment in the public service. (g) Business or employment and residence for the previous 5 years. (h) Education. (2) In addition to the information required under sub. (1), the applicant shall furnish any other information that may reasonably be required by the board concerning the applicant’s fitness for the public service.

Wis. Stat. § 63.36 Appointment of examiners; compensation

(1) The board shall control all examinations, and may, whenever an examination is to take place, designate a suitable number of persons, either in or not in the official service of the city, to be examiners, and the examiners shall make return or report of the examination to the board. The board may, at any time, substitute any other person, whether or not in the official service of the city, in the place of anyone so selected. The board may themselves, at any time, act as examiners under this section without appointing examiners. The examiners, at any examination, shall not all be members of the same political party. No person shall serve in an examination of a candidate for office under ss. 63.18 to 63.53 who is a relative or connected by marriage within the degree of first cousin. (2) Persons in the service of the city shall not be compensated for acting as examiners if they are public officers or if their service as examiners is rendered during their paid working schedule, but the board may compensate employees of the board of school directors for serving as city service examiners beyond their regular working hours and beyond their regular duties as such employees.

Wis. Stat. § 63.37 Board to keep a register of eligibles

From the returns or reports of the examiners, or from the examinations made by the board, the board shall prepare and keep a register for each grade or class of position in the service of such city, of the persons whose general average standing upon examinations for such grade or class is not less than the minimum fixed by the rules of such board, and who are otherwise eligible, and such persons shall take rank upon the register as candidates in the order of their relative excellence as determined by examination without reference to priority of time of examination. The board shall impose no restrictions as to age in case of veterans, and veterans and their spouses shall be given preference points in accordance with s. 63.08 (1) (fm).

Wis. Stat. § 63.38 Persons examined not to be obstructed, aided or impersonated

No person or officer shall willfully and corruptly, by himself or in cooperation with one or more other persons, defeat, deceive or obstruct any person in respect to his or her right of examination, or corruptly or falsely mark, grade, estimate or report upon the examination or proper standing of any person examined hereunder, or aid in so doing or willfully or corruptly make any false representations concerning the same or concerning the person examined, or willfully or corruptly furnish to any person any special or secret information for the purpose either of improving or injuring the prospects or chances of any person so examined, or to be examined, of being appointed, employed or promoted, or personate any other person, or permit or aid in any manner any other person to personate him or her, in connection with any examination, or registration or application or request to be examined or registered.

Wis. Stat. § 63.39 Vacancies, how filled

(1) If a position classified and graded under ss. 63.18 to 63.53 becomes vacant, the appointing officer may fill the position or let it remain vacant. If the appointing officer chooses to fill the vacant position, the appointing officer may, with the approval of the board of city service commissioners, fill it through reinstatement, promotion, reduction or open competitive examination. If the appointing officer chooses not to fill the vacant position by reinstatement, promotion or reduction, the appointing officer shall so notify the board. Except as provided under sub. (2), if the board is so notified, it shall certify to the appointing officer from the list of eligibles the names and addresses of any number of persons standing highest on the list, in accordance with rules established by the board. All persons on the list who have the same test score shall be included on the same certification. If there are less than 3 names upon an eligible list, certification shall be made and, unless objection is made by the appointing officer to the person or persons so certified and the objection sustained by the board, appointment shall be made under the rules. (2) If the appointing officer chooses not to fill a vacant managerial, supervisory or confidential position through reinstatement, promotion or reduction, the appointing officer shall so notify the board of city service commissioners. If the board is so notified, it shall certify to the appointing officer from the list of eligibles the names and addresses of any number of persons standing highest on the list, in accordance with rules established by the board. All persons on the list who have the same test score shall be included on the same certification. If there are less than 5 names on an eligible list, certification shall be made and, unless objection is made by the appointing officer to the person or persons so certified and unless the objection is sustained by the board, appointment shall be made under the rules. (2m) Notwithstanding s. 63.08 (1) (fm), the board shall certify persons from the list of eligibles without adding preference points to their grades. After the certification under sub. (1) or (2), the board shall add to the certification list any veteran or veteran’s spouse whose grade, plus the points to which the veteran or spouse is entitled under s. 63.08 (1) (fm), is equal to or higher than the lowest grade on the list of eligibles. (3) An appointing officer under this section shall select, solely with reference to merit and fitness, the number of persons for which the appointing officer has made requisition. In case the board cannot certify eligibles for appointment, it may grant to the appointing officer authority to make appointment for a period not to exceed 2 months or until regular appointment can be made.

Wis. Stat. § 63.40 Special expert class

(1) There is hereby created a new division of the classified service to be known as the special expert class. The board of city service commissioners shall place in this class all positions of a technical, scientific, or professional character, together with all positions where the qualifications are peculiar to the service in any department of the city government, and may in addition thereto temporarily classify as of the special expert class positions where the service is new and experimental in character. (2) The provisions of ss. 63.18 to 63.53 now governing selections, appointments, promotions, reinstatements, removals, transfers or other changes, shall apply to the special expert class, except as may be otherwise provided in this section. (3) For the filling of positions in the special expert class the appointing officer shall be free to suggest names of persons for consideration in examination together with all other applicants and all other persons whose names have been suggested to the board of city service commissioners, and the board shall inquire into the fitness of persons so nominated and may notify such persons and any other suitable person to participate in the examination. (4) Previous to an examination to fill a position in the special expert class, the board of city service commissioners may provide in its published announcement that the resulting eligible list shall expire as soon as an appointment has been made therefrom, providing the appointing officer so desires. When an appointing officer makes objection in writing to names of persons in the special expert class, certified from an eligible list not especially appropriate for the position or group of positions in question, such certification shall be invalid. (5) The appointing officer shall in all cases be consulted as to qualifications and requirements, examination standards, and procedure for filling positions in the special expert class. (6) In filling positions in the special expert class the board of city service commissioners shall select a board of one or more experts to conduct the examination when requested in writing to do so by an appointing officer. (7) Whenever the board of city service commissioners or the officer having the power of appointment shall deem it advisable in the interests of the service, no qualifications as to residence or citizenship shall be imposed in the examination for a position in the special expert class. Any restrictions contained in any law, or in any charter of any city of the first class inconsistent with this provision shall not be applicable in such case.

Wis. Stat. § 63.41 Vacancies in special cases, how filled

In case of a vacancy in a position, requiring peculiar and exceptional qualifications of a scientific, technical or professional character, upon satisfactory evidence that competition is impracticable and that the position can be best filled by the selection of some designated person of recognized attainments, the commission may, after public hearing, by the affirmative vote of at least 4 commissioners, suspend competition, but no such suspension shall be general in its application to such position and all such cases of suspension shall be reported, together with the reason therefor, in the annual reports of the commission.

Wis. Stat. § 63.42 Notice to commissioners of all appointments, and of all offices abandoned

Immediate notice in writing shall be given by the appointing power to the board of city service commissioners of all appointments, permanent or temporary, made under ss. 63.18 to 63.53 and the rules made and established under ss. 63.18 to 63.53, in those branches or departments of the civil service of such city which are subject to ss. 63.18 to 63.53 and the rules of the board, and of all transfers, promotions, resignations, other changes or vacancies from any cause in such branches or departments of the city service, and of the date thereof, and a record of the same shall be kept by the board. When any office or place of employment, subject to such rules, is created or abolished, or the compensation attached thereto is altered, the officer or board making such change shall immediately report the same in writing to the board of commissioners.

Wis. Stat. § 63.43 Removals for just cause only; reasons to be furnished in writing; hearings; decisions

(1) No person or employee holding an office or position classified and graded under ss. 63.18 to 63.53 shall be removed, discharged or reduced, except for just cause which shall not be political or religious. A person removed, discharged or reduced shall be furnished, by the officer making the removal, with the reasons in writing, for such action when demanded by the removed, discharged or reduced person. When reasons are given by the officer making the removal, a copy of the same shall be immediately forwarded to the commission. Within 3 days after such removal, discharge or reduction an appeal may be made to the commission in writing, by the employee so removed, discharged or reduced. The commission, on receiving the notice of appeal, shall set a date for a hearing on or investigation of the reasons for the removal, discharge or reduction, which date shall not be more than 30 days after the date of removal, discharge or reduction. Notice of the time and place of the hearing or investigation shall be served upon the employee appealing, in the same manner that a summons is served in this state. Notice shall also be given the officer making the removal. The city service commission, or board or committee of the board or boards appointed by the commission, shall conduct the hearing or investigation. The employee appealing shall have full opportunity to be heard and may, at the discretion of the commission, be represented by counsel. When the employee is represented by counsel, the officer making the removal, discharge or reduction may be represented by the city attorney. If, however, the officer chooses to be represented by counsel other than the city attorney, the officer may so do, but any expense so incurred shall not be paid by the city. In the course of a hearing or investigation as provided in this section, any member of the commission and of any board or committee appointed by it, may administer oaths and may secure by its subpoena both the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers relevant to the hearing or investigation. All evidence may, on the order of the board, be taken by a competent reporter. (2) The decision and findings of the commission, or of the investigating board or committee, when approved by the commission, shall be final and shall be filed, in writing, with the secretary of the board and shall be forthwith certified to and enforced by the head of the department or appointing officer. Nothing in ss. 63.18 to 63.53 shall limit the power of an officer to suspend a subordinate for a reasonable period not exceeding 15 days. In case an employee is again suspended within 6 months for any period whatever, the employee so suspended shall have the right of hearing or investigation by the commission on the second suspension or any subsequent suspension within the period, the same as provided in this section. (3) If such city and a labor organization representing employees of the city enter into a collective bargaining agreement under subch. IV of ch. 111, the agreement may provide that the provisions of that agreement relating to removal, discharge, suspension and reduction shall supersede this section with respect to employees covered by the agreement while the agreement is in effect. This subsection does not apply to any action under sub. (1) to suspend an employee with pay.

Wis. Stat. § 63.44 Provisions for removals not to apply to certain departments

Section 63.43 shall not apply to removals of persons in any department of the city where the department is under the supervision and control of a board or commission of 3 or more members, but every such board or commission shall establish rules relating to the removal, discharge or reduction of employees in its department. No such employee shall be removed, discharged or reduced for religious or political reasons and any removed, discharged or reduced employee shall have the right to a trial and determination by the board or commission, or by a committee duly appointed by the board or commission as to whether there existed sufficient grounds for removal, discharge or reduction and the determination of the board or commission, or of the committee when approved by the board or commission, shall be final in the matter. The right of suspension is granted boards and commissions included under this section the same as is elsewhere provided for in ss. 63.18 to 63.53.

Wis. Stat. § 63.45 No payments approved or made of salary in the classified service except as provided

No treasurer, auditor, comptroller, other officer or employee of the city in which ss. 63.18 to 63.53 are effective shall approve the payment of or be in any manner concerned in paying, auditing or approving any salary, wage or other compensation for services, to any person in the classified service unless a payroll, estimate, or account for such salary, wage or other compensation, containing the names of persons to be paid, a statement of the amount to be paid each such person, the services on account of which the same is paid, bears the certificate of the commission that the persons named in such payroll, estimate, or account have been appointed or employed in pursuance of and have complied with ss. 63.18 to 63.53 and with the rules of the commission, and that the rate of salary or wage is in accordance with the rate established by the proper authorities. The commission shall refuse to certify the pay of any public officer or employee who shall willfully or through culpable negligence violate or fail to comply with ss. 63.18 to 63.53 or the rules of the commission. The city service commission shall certify to the city comptroller all appointments to offices and places in the office of the city service commission and all changes or vacancies that may occur therein.

Wis. Stat. § 63.49 No promotion or demotion for making or refusing political contributions

No officer or employee of such city shall discharge, or degrade, or promote, or in any manner change the official rank or compensation of any other officer or employee, or promise or threaten to do so for giving or withholding any contribution of money or other valuable thing for any party or political purpose, or for refusal or neglect to render any party or political service.

Wis. Stat. § 63.50 Use of money prohibited

No applicant for appointment in such official service, either directly or indirectly, shall pay or promise to pay any money or other valuable thing to any person whomsoever, for or on account of the applicant’s appointment or proposed appointment, and no officer or employee shall pay or promise to pay, either directly or indirectly, to any person any money or other valuable thing whatsoever for or on account of the officer’s or employee’s promotion.

Wis. Stat. § 63.51 The improper use or promise of political influence forbidden

No person while holding any office in the government of such city, or any nomination for, or while seeking a nomination for appointment to any such office, shall corruptly use, or promise to use, either directly or indirectly, any official authority or influence in the way of conferring upon any person, or in order to secure or aid any person in securing, any office or public employment or any nomination, confirmation, promotion or increase in salary, upon the consideration or condition that the vote or political influence or action of the last named person or any other shall be given or used in behalf of any candidate, officer or party, or upon any other corrupt condition or consideration.

Wis. Stat. § 63.52 Violations, city civil service; vacates office; disqualification; prosecution

(1) Any person who willfully, or through culpable negligence, violates any provision of ss. 63.18 to 63.51, or any rule promulgated in accordance with the provisions thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than $50, and not exceeding $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term not exceeding 6 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court. (2) If any person is convicted under this section, any public office which such person holds shall, by force of such conviction, be rendered vacant, and such person shall be incapable of holding office for the period of 5 years from the date of such conviction. (3) Prosecution for violations of ss. 63.18 to 63.51 may be instituted either by the attorney general, the district attorney for the county in which the offense is alleged to have been committed, or by the board of city service commissioners acting through special counsel. Such prosecutions shall be conducted and controlled by the prosecuting officers who institute them, unless they request the aid of other prosecuting officers.

Wis. Stat. § 63.53 Board of school directors employees

(1) Except as provided under sub. (2), all officers and employees of the board of school directors of any 1st class city are members of the classified service and shall be selected and have their tenure and employment status determined in accordance with ss. 63.18 to 63.51, the rules adopted under ss. 63.18 to 63.51 and the charter ordinances applying to the board of city service commissioners of the city. (2) The following employees are not members of the classified service: the superintendent of schools, deputy superintendent of schools, associate superintendent of schools, executive assistant to the superintendent of schools, assistant to the superintendent of schools, assistant superintendent, division director, department director, principals, teachers and substitute teachers actually engaged in teaching, staff of the board of school directors if the board so decides under s. 119.18 (10) (c), and, in any department of the school board devoted wholly or principally to the subjects of municipal recreation and adult education, all employees of those departments whose duties are peculiar to municipal recreation and adult education but not including employees whose duties are clerical or custodial.

Wis. Stat. § 63.065 Elected county or state officers

A permanent employee in the classified service of any county having a population of 750,000 or more, who is elected to a county or state office shall be granted a leave of absence without pay from a position for the period of his or her entire service as an elected county or state officer and thereafter shall be entitled to return to the former position or to one with equivalent responsibility and pay in the classified service without loss of seniority or civil service status. At the discretion of the civil service commission, any elected state officer, while on leave of absence, may also be permitted to return to a former position or to one with equivalent responsibility and pay in the classified service for such periods of time as may be set by the commission. This section shall not apply to any department head in the classified service whenever the commission has established a list of department heads or employees of any county department under s. 46.215.

Wis. Stat. § 63.085 Certification and appointment of handicapped; special lists of eligibles

The director of personnel, with the approval of the commission, may prepare without examination special lists of eligible persons certified as having a severe physical or mental impairment and as being physically and mentally capable and adequately trained to qualify for a position in the classified service. The names of persons placed on the special list shall be certified to the appointing authority in addition to those certified under s. 63.05 (1) (b). The director shall determine that a person on the special list meets the minimum qualifications for a vacant position prior to certifying the person to the appointing authority for the position. The appointing authority may appoint a person from the special list to a temporary appointment for a period of 6 months. Successful demonstration of the ability to perform the duties of a position under a temporary appointment shall qualify a person for permanent appointment to the position. The director may fix the maximum number of persons who may be appointed from the special list of eligibles under this section.

Wis. Stat. § 63.235 Delegation to board of school directors

In a 1st class city, the city service commission shall delegate its recruitment and hiring duties related to specified classifications of school employees to the board of school directors if the board adopts a resolution requesting the commission to do so.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/63Fetched: 10/7/2026