TOWNSHIP CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM

MCL ch. 38, subtit. Act 246 of 1965

in effect

MCL 38.451 Township civil service system; adoption by referendum.

38.451. Township civil service system; adoption by referendum. Sec. 1. Upon the adoption of a resolution therefor by a majority vote of the members elect of the township board of any township, and the subsequent approval by a majority of the township electors voting thereon, the provisions of this act shall apply in any township now or hereafter having a population of 60,000 or more. The township board may submit the question at any regular election or special election called for some other purpose, and shall submit the question at any such election held not less than 60 days after the filing with the township clerk of petitions for such submission signed by at least 4% of the registered electors of the township. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.451a Violation of MCL 168.1 to 168.992 applicable to petitions; penalties.

38.451a. Violation of MCL 168.1 to 168.992 applicable to petitions; penalties. Sec. 1a. A petition under section 1, including the circulation and signing of the petition, is subject to section 488 of the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.488. A person who violates a provision of the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.1 to 168.992, applicable to a petition described in this section is subject to the penalties prescribed for that violation in the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.1 to 168.992. Add. 1998, Act 198, Eff. Mar. 23, 1999

MCL 38.452 Township civil service commission; creation.

38.452. Township civil service commission; creation. Sec. 2. In any township where the township civil service system is adopted, there shall be a civil service commission. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.453 Township civil service commission; membership, terms, vacancies, eligibility, quorum, removal.

38.453. Township civil service commission; membership, terms, vacancies, eligibility, quorum, removal. Sec. 3. The township board, at its next regular or special session after the adoption of this act in any township, shall appoint, by a majority vote of the members elect, 3 electors of the township as members of the civil service commission, to take office as soon as appointed and qualified, and who shall serve for the following terms as designated in the resolution of appointment: One member for a term expiring 2 years from December 31 of that year, 1 member for a term expiring 4 years from December 31 of that year, and 1 member for a term expiring 6 years from December 31 of that year. Biennially thereafter, the township board shall appoint by majority vote 1 civil service commissioner for a term of 6 years to take office on January 1 of the next year and succeed the commissioner whose term shall next expire. The commissioner whose term shall next expire shall serve as chairman of the commission. Any vacancy occurring on the commission shall be filled for the unexpired term by the township board by a majority vote of the members elect. Each commissioner shall serve until his successor is appointed and qualified. Not more than 2 of the commissioners so appointed shall be members of the same political party. Two members of the commission constitute a quorum thereof. The township board by a 2/3 vote of all the members elect may remove a commissioner during his term of office, but only after serving the commissioner with a statement in writing of the reasons for such removal, and allowing him an opportunity to be represented and publicly heard in his defense. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.454 Civil service commission; members, compensation and expenses.

38.454. Civil service commission; members, compensation and expenses. Sec. 4. Each commissioner shall receive $10.00 compensation for each day's service for not to exceed 25 days in any one year, and such necessary traveling expenses and mileage as may be incurred in the actual performance of his duties; such compensation and expenses to be fixed by the township board. For the first 2 years after the adoption of the civil service system, compensation may be paid for not to exceed 50 days' service in any one year. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.455 Civil service commission; personnel director, assistants and employees; selection, compensation; contracts for services; conditions of employment; discrimination prohibited.

38.455. Civil service commission; personnel director, assistants and employees; selection, compensation; contracts for services; conditions of employment; discrimination prohibited. Sec. 5. The commission shall choose by competitive examination a personnel director upon a basis of education, technical knowledge of personnel work, and knowledge of township government and its operation, and such other assistants and employees as may be necessary. The compensation of the personnel director and other assistants and employees shall be fixed by the commission subject to the approval of the township board. The personnel director shall act as secretary of the commission. The civil service commission of any township, if authorized by the township board and subject to its approval, may contract with a county, city or another township for the use and services of its examiners, clerks and offices and all the facilities of the civil service system. The civil service commission shall provide by regulation for the hours and conditions of service, for the length and period of vacations, and for the regulation of sick leaves in the township service, and for such other matters pertaining to the carrying out of the provisions of this act. No applicant shall be required by any rule or regulation of the commission to submit photographs for the purpose of identification, nor shall any such applicant be discriminated against by reason of race, color, creed or political affiliation. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.456 Civil service classification.

38.456. Civil service classification. Sec. 6. The civil service of the township is hereby divided into the unclassified and classified services. (a) The unclassified service shall include officers elected by popular vote and persons appointed to fill vacancies in such elective offices, 1 deputy or assistant each for the supervisor, clerk and treasurer, and heads of departments. (b) The classified service shall comprise all positions not specifically included by this act in the unclassified service. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.457 Civil service commission; regular meetings; rules of procedure; record of proceedings; conducting business at public meeting; notice of meeting; availability of certain writings to public.

38.457. Civil service commission; regular meetings; rules of procedure; record of proceedings; conducting business at public meeting; notice of meeting; availability of certain writings to public. Sec. 7. (1) The commission shall hold a regular meeting at least quarterly. The commission shall hold a special meeting at the request of a commissioner. The commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure and shall keep a record of its proceedings. (2) The business that the commission performs shall be conducted at a public meeting of the commission held in compliance with the open meetings act, Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976, being sections 15.261 to 15.275 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Public notice of the time, date, and place of the meeting shall be given in the manner required by Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976. (3) Except for the records listed in section 8(i), a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the commission in the performance of an official function shall be made available to the public in compliance with the freedom of information act, Act No. 442 of the Public Acts of 1976, being sections 15.231 to 15.246 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966; Am. 1977, Act 212, Imd. Eff. Nov. 17, 1977; Am. 1995, Act 64, Imd. Eff. May 31, 1995

MCL 38.458 Civil service commission; powers and duties.

38.458. Civil service commission; powers and duties. Sec. 8. The commission shall: (a) Classify all the offices and positions of employment within the classified service. The classification shall be subdivided into groups and shall be based upon and graded according to the duties and responsibilities of the positions, and shall be so arranged as to permit the filling of the higher grades through promotion. All salaries shall be uniform for like service in each grade of the classified service as the same shall be classified and standardized by the commission. The classification and standardization of salaries shall not be final until approved by the township board, and salaries shall not be paid except in accordance with the classification and standardization. (b) From time to time make, in accordance with the provisions of this act, rules adopted to carry out the purposes of this act and not inconsistent with its provisions for the examination and selection of persons to fill the offices and positions in the classified service which are required to be filled by appointment, and for the selection of persons to be employed in the service of the township. (c) Supervise the administration of the civil service rules, hold examinations thereunder from time to time, giving notice thereof, prepare and keep an eligible list of persons passing such examinations and certify the names of persons thereon to the appointing officers of the several departments. (d) By itself or otherwise, investigate the enforcement of the provisions of this act, of its own rules and of the action of appointees in the classified service. In the course of such investigation, the commission or its authorized representative may administer oaths, and the commission by its subpoena may secure both the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers relevant to the investigation. (e) Provide, through the purchasing department of the township, all needed supplies for the use of the commission. (f) Such other powers and perform such other duties as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. (g) Prepare and hold open competitive examinations in order to test the relative fitness of all applicants for appointment to the classified service. At least 2 weeks' notice shall be given of all examinations. (h) Cause to be kept in each department and division thereof, records of the service of each employee, known as "service records". These records shall contain fact statements on all matters relating to the character and quality of the work done and the attitude of the individual to his work. (i) Keep a roster of the employees of the township, together with a record of service, military or naval experience, and such other matters as may have a bearing on promotion, transfer or discharge. All such "service records" and employees' records shall be confidential and not open for public inspection. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.459 Classified civil service; appointments, probationary period, temporary appointments.

38.459. Classified civil service; appointments, probationary period, temporary appointments. Sec. 9. Whenever a position in the competitive classified civil service is to be filled, the appointing authority shall notify the commission of that fact, and the commission shall certify the names and addresses of the 3 candidates standing highest on the eligible list for the class or grade to which the position belongs, and the appointing authority shall forthwith appoint to the position 1 of the 3 persons so certified. The appointment shall be for a probationary period to be fixed by the rules, but not to exceed 6 months. At or before the expiration of the probationary period, the appointing officer, by presenting specific reasons for such action in writing, may discharge a probational appointee, or, with the approval of the civil service commission, transfer him to another department. If not discharged prior to the expiration of the period of probation and if no complaint has been made as to the service rendered, the appointment shall be deemed complete. To prevent the stoppage of business or to meet extraordinary conditions or emergencies, the head of any department or office, with the approval of the commission, may make a temporary appointment to remain for not exceeding 60 days, and only until regular appointment under the provisions of this act can be made. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.460 Classified civil service; qualifying and competitive examinations required; exceptions.

38.460. Classified civil service; qualifying and competitive examinations required; exceptions. Sec. 10. All appointive officers and employees of the township or any department thereof at the time this act takes effect, and who have been such for more than 2 years prior thereto, whose positions are included in the classified civil service, shall hold their positions without examination until discharged, reduced, promoted or transferred, in accordance with the provisions of this act. All appointive officers and employees of the township or any department thereof included in the classified civil service by this act, who shall have been so employed for more than 1 year and less than 2 years prior to the time this act takes effect, shall be required to take qualifying examinations, and all such appointive officers and employees who shall have been so employed for less than 1 year prior to the effective date of this act shall be required to take competitive examinations. All employees now authorized by law to be employed in any township office or department for seasonal or temporary employment, who have been in such employment of the township for 2 successive seasons immediately prior to the time this act takes effect, shall be included in the classified civil service and be eligible for appointment to such seasonal or temporary occupation without examination. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.461 Classified civil service; vacancies, promotion, basis.

38.461. Classified civil service; vacancies, promotion, basis. Sec. 11. Wherever possible, vacancies shall be filled by promotion. Promotion shall be made from among employees, in the grades nearest below the grade in which the vacancy exists, qualified by training and experience to fill the vacancy and whose length of service in such lower grade entitles them to consideration. The commission, for the purpose of promotion, shall rate the qualified employees in the lower grades on the basis of their service record, experience in the work involved in the vacant position, training and qualification for such work, seniority and war service ratings. Seniority shall be controlling only when other factors are equal. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.462 Classified civil service; removal, suspension or reduction in rank; procedure; appeal, hearing; findings of civil service commission.

38.462. Classified civil service; removal, suspension or reduction in rank; procedure; appeal, hearing; findings of civil service commission. Sec. 12. Any officer or employee in the classified civil service may be removed, suspended or reduced in rank or compensation by the appointing authority after appointment or promotion is complete by an order in writing, stating specifically the reasons therefor. The order shall be filed with the civil service commission and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the person to be removed, suspended or reduced. The employee may reply in writing to the order within 5 days from the date of filing it with the civil service commission. Any person removed, suspended or reduced in rank or compensation, within 10 days after presentation to him of the order of removal, suspension or reduction, may appeal to the civil service commission. The commission, within 2 weeks from the filing of the appeal, shall commence the hearing thereon, and shall thereupon fully hear and determine the matter, and either affirm, modify or revoke such order. The appellant shall be entitled to appear personally, produce evidence, and to have counsel and a public hearing. The finding and decision of the commission shall be certified to the official from whose order the appeal is taken, and shall forthwith be enforced and followed by him, but under no condition shall the employee be removed, suspended or reduced in rank until the finding and decision of the commission is so certified. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.463 Civil service commission; annual report to township board.

38.463. Civil service commission; annual report to township board. Sec. 13. The commission shall make an annual report to the township board at its annual meeting each year, or at any other time as may be required by the township board. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.464 Payrolls; approval by civil service commission.

38.464. Payrolls; approval by civil service commission. Sec. 14. All payrolls shall be approved by the civil service commission, or by its secretary when authorized by the commission, before payment. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.465 Civil service employees; soliciting for political purposes prohibited.

38.465. Civil service employees; soliciting for political purposes prohibited. Sec. 15. No officer or employee of the township in the classified civil service, directly or indirectly, shall make, solicit or receive, or be in any manner concerned in making, soliciting or receiving any assessment, subscription or contribution for any political party or any political purpose whatsoever. Any employee violating the provisions of this section may be removed from the office. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.466 Civil service commission; subpoena; noncompliance, penalty; enforcement.

38.466. Civil service commission; subpoena; noncompliance, penalty; enforcement. Sec. 16. Any person who is served with a subpoena to appear and testify, or to produce books and papers issued by the commission in the course of the investigation conducted under the provisions of this act, and who refuses or neglects to appear or to testify as commanded in the subpoena, is guilty of a misdemeanor. The fees of witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same as the fees of witnesses in the circuit court for the county in which the township is situated, and shall be paid from the appropriation for the expenses of the commission. The judge of the circuit court, either in term or vacation, upon application of the commission, shall compel the attendance of witnesses, the production of books and papers and giving of testimony before the commission by attachment for contempt or otherwise in the same manner as the production of evidence may be compelled before the court. Every person who, having taken an oath or made affirmation in a proceeding, swears or affirms wilfully, corruptly or falsely is guilty of a misdemeanor. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.467 Violations; penalties.

38.467. Violations; penalties. Sec. 17. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), a person who knowingly violates this act, and a person who neglects or refuses to perform a duty enjoined upon the person by this act, is guilty of a misdemeanor. When, by this act, an act or duty is required to be done by or under the supervision or authority of an officer, and the act or duty is not done or performed, then the officer who has wilfully neglected to perform the duty, or has wilfully permitted the omission or nonperformance of the duty or act, is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person convicted of an act or omission which is by this act declared to be a misdemeanor, except as provided in subsection (2) or (3), shall be fined not less than $50.00 and not more than $100.00, or be imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both. (2) A member of the board who intentionally violates section 7(2) shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976. (3) If the board arbitrarily and capriciously violates section 7(3), the board shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in Act No. 442 of the Public Acts of 1976. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966; Am. 1977, Act 212, Imd. Eff. Nov. 17, 1977

MCL 38.468 Classified civil service; discrimination prohibited.

38.468. Classified civil service; discrimination prohibited. Sec. 18. No person in the classified civil service or seeking admission thereto shall be appointed, reduced or removed, or in any way favored or discriminated against because of his political, racial or religious opinions or affiliations, except for membership in any organization which has advocated or does advocate disloyalty to the government of the United States or any subdivision thereof. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.469 Civil service commission; offices.

38.469. Civil service commission; offices. Sec. 19. The commission shall be provided with suitable offices, examination rooms, and accommodations for itself and staff, as may be required to suit the public convenience and carry on the work of the commission. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

MCL 38.470 Township board; appropriations.

38.470. Township board; appropriations. Sec. 20. The township board shall provide the necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this act. 1965, Act 246, Eff. Mar. 31, 1966

Source: Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov)URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/Chapter%2038.xmlFetched: 10/20/2026