Sec. 16-53. Progressive disciplinary policy.
All employees are expected to perform their duties in a competent, efficient, and professional manner. Further, employees are required to act courteously and cooperatively with their fellow employees, supervisors, and the public. When employee conduct falls below these standards, disciplinary action may be warranted.
In order to promote the common good and welfare of the Town and its employees, the Town has established rules of conduct. The commission of any of the acts listed below will result in disciplinary violations ranging from verbal or written warnings to suspension or to immediate termination depending on the act and the circumstances.
This list is not all inclusive:
(1) Group I rules. If a violation of a Group I rule occurs, the department head will use the following procedures:
Step 1. Corrective interview, confirmed in writing.
Step 2. Violation of any Group I rule, within the calendar year, may subject the employee to up to three (3) days' suspension without pay.
Step 3. Violations of any Group I rule, following a disciplinary suspension, will be subject to termination. (Pending review by a Town Council hearing.)
The following list provides examples of disciplinary violations. (This is not intended to be an all inclusive list.):
a. Excessive tardiness or absences.
b. Leaving Town premises during working hours without permission.
c. Failing to report absence within two (2) hours of starting time.
d. Neglect of duty and/or failure to perform assigned duties.
e. Failure to follow established work procedures and policies.
f. Horseplay or use of machinery, equipment, or tools in a hazardous manner.
g. Creating or contributing to any unsanitary condition.
h. Unauthorized use of bulletin boards.
i. Posting notices in unauthorized places.
j. Restricting one's own production or interfering with the production of other employees.
k. Conducting personal business on Town time.
l. Violating safety regulations.
m. Failing to make an immediate report of an occupational injury.
n. Fighting or committing an assault.
o. Failure to report an accident while on Town time.
p. Failure to wear provided Town uniforms.
q. Violation of the smoking policy.
r. Failure to report a traffic ticket while driving a Town vehicle.
s. Inappropriate social media post(s).
(2) Group II rules. Any violation of a Group II rule will result in the employee being relieved from duty without pay up to five (5) days and may be subject to termination. An administrative hearing will be conducted only in the case of termination. Examples of Group II disciplinary violations include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Absence without notification for three (3) or more consecutive workdays.
b. Failing to return from leave of absence as scheduled; improper use of accident leaves or extended disability leave benefits.
c. Insubordination: disrespectful and defiant behavior, including but not limited to refusing a direct order from a supervisor or entering into a confrontation with a supervisor.
d. Possessing firearms, weapons, explosives, and so forth, on the premises.
e. Disclosure of confidential Town information to outsiders without proper authorization.
f. Completing another employee's time record or allowing another to complete one's time record.
g. Loafing, loitering, or sleeping on the job.
h. Mistreatment of members of the public, fellow employees or supervisory personnel or blatant disrespect of fellow employees, supervisor, or citizens.
i. Using abusive or threatening language.
j. Harassment or discrimination of any kind.
k. Using, selling or being under the influence of illegal substance or controlled substances not prescribed by a physician.
l. Disorderly, offensive or illegal conduct.
m. Falsifying any Town records or employment application.
n. Stealing or committing any criminal offense on Town property.
o. Damage to or improper use of Town property either willfully or through gross negligence.
p. Intentional making of scrap or waste.
q. Employee testing positive for drug and/or alcohol test.
r. Unauthorized use or possession of Town property.
s. Failing to follow established safety protocols.