Civil Service Exam System to Shift to Training Format by 2026

The Sullivan County Human Resources Committee convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss several key topics affecting county employees and civil service operations. The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance, followed by a brief exchange of pleasantries among committee members.

One of the primary agenda items was the impending expiration of COVID-19 quarantine legislation, which is set to end on July 31. This legislation has provided three rounds of paid leave for employees who tested positive for COVID-19. After this date, employees will no longer receive COVID-specific paid leave, although they can still utilize their personal time off.

The committee also reviewed updates from the recent ISAFCO conference, highlighting significant changes to the civil service exam system. The current examination format will transition to a training and experience (T&E) model, moving away from the traditional Saturday exam format. This change is expected to broaden the pool of candidates available for civil service positions. The committee expressed optimism that the new system could be implemented by 2026, with a projected turnaround for the candidate list within a few weeks.

Additionally, an important amendment to section 58a of the civil service law was discussed, which raises the maximum age limit for entry-level police officer exams from 35 to 43. This change is anticipated to increase the number of eligible candidates for these positions.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed critical updates regarding employee leave policies and civil service exam reforms, with a focus on enhancing recruitment and operational efficiency within Sullivan County's workforce. The committee plans to monitor these developments closely as they move forward.