[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6740979,"mediaKeyId","5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239","parentId",5345846,"title","Staff reports: online testing, digitization and a $30,000 publicity line for FY26 modernization","audioSeconds",388,"startMs",92000,"endMs",480000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239&start=92&end=480","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239/thumbnail_92000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6740979/Tennessee/Staff-reports-online-testing-digitization-and-a-30000-publicity-line-for-FY26-modernization","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6740979-967ffec4c9095e6db58a996fcc2d4fe9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146976&Signature=V2o4AEq5JisELi~MSKpbVFnVnGVNcVQelf32s7G85qjAg00IBFxBJNl4APtF~-kvxr-UwLtfhQgMWHpbvKUgKTdQA8JaXwE92wG7byU97aoLv6e8lrZv1QPj1QuOCc4U2NtyFXfzjcCwu3C~ReWBZBP5eFnA-3dwmKtpApi5ddy5RcZrTGgP0Thsd-x-tUdb5faGlFsy4j5ROUksvOiUaI3S426NStFD2Nh~G4Nrj8rBiWEBKujxfVHLmBXYPSikBgvN74ISrynPjKz6D86TKnsHmJmtbkYrk0-QYpZDThqMXLy68gYTkNu2fu-XybZPObfzRRDim0gCoqvXSAjgag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Knoxville, TN","date","2025-07-09T21:23:27Z","article","At the July 9 meeting, Civil Service staff delivered routine reports on recruiting, testing and budget projections and described several modernization initiatives intended to increase applicant pools and streamline processes.

Nick Bradshaw emphasized the office’s posting and testing statistics and said the office is focused on the metric “days from receipt to referral.” He noted report rates for written tests remain lower than desired but highlighted a recent hiring pool for financial analyst positions that drew strong raw applicant numbers and yielded a competitive final group. Bradshaw said, “the column we’re most interested in is the days from receipt to referral,” describing that as a key performance metric for processing applicants.

On budget matters, Bradshaw presented two handouts: one reflecting fiscal 2025 close‑out activity and one projecting FY26. He highlighted a publicity line item increased to $30,000 for FY26 (previously $3,000) to support online advertising as part of modernization efforts. Bradshaw also identified a small expansion in professional services budget lines to continue the office’s testing contract work.

Modernization projects include renewing the ESkill online testing contract, increasing online testing licenses from 150 to 500 with an effective date around Sept. 1, and completing a digitization project to make materials accessible via a SharePoint site. Bradshaw said the Oracle recruiting project (citywide HR software) remains underway; Civil Service is a participating partner. The ESkill increase and digitization are intended to broaden testing access and improve applicant yield for city departments.

Bradshaw reported current grievances and disciplinary matters: one newly received appeal (hearing officer scheduled) and two long‑standing grievances at step 3, with a possible fourth grievance at step 2.

Provenance: Staff remarks and budget highlights appear beginning at 00:01:32 and modernization details at 00:07:41.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Merit Board R 4206 250709","oneSentenceSummary","Civil Service staff reported July 9 that online testing capacity will expand, a digitization project is nearly complete, and the FY26 budget includes a $30,000 publicity allocation to support recruitment modernization.","taxTitle","Civil Service Merit Board Meetings, Knoxville City, Knox County, Tennessee","taxId",69354,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6740989,"Civil Service Merit Board unanimously hires Melissa Foster as executive secretary",439,1414000,1853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239&start=1414&end=1853","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239/thumbnail_1414000.jpg","/articles/6740989/Tennessee/Civil-Service-Merit-Board-unanimously-hires-Melissa-Foster-as-executive-secretary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6740989-b8b6e1e8d492400c891278a27fb0ed01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146976&Signature=Rg~Lovthr7GyXRtKVNDp6cNB2KJU51J9WWCMH0Q7BiAkZuRot4HOSJBfpk1juklneM7y0~U8S4KyAIHIYAzKa~TsUxTPkUGZEnRrXTSrsjzLN0MpmORz0luF50~t8VCsoK4BwpBlqVix8vTuzs1xkHJKAlNEiNS05fRLg00lffX5e7X7vP5XD5WGLwaKE-JgdcoVIiRL5KJEBfvWuW-aK2-LybTQ6Ac07pRvW0ZjGyb3pP-rMWiGeES65ahDWIRCBxP3Ih70y5jUH2awnu2I3HmdYg9NSk14v~eLnoEi5QXef8XfTWlOfoapf7GZbG0GV-75flY1mUFCD6uYQPZehw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Civil Service Merit Board on July 9 unanimously approved hiring Melissa (Missy) Foster as the civil service executive secretary following a search that screened 81 applicants and interviewed six finalists.

The board’s executive search committee recommended Foster as its sole candidate after three finalists were interviewed. Jamie Roberts, speaking for the committee, said members were unanimous in endorsing Foster and asked the board to consider the committee’s recommendation. The board moved, seconded and voted in favor; all present board members indicated “aye.”

Foster told the board she has worked for the city for 18 years, serving as an HR analyst and as the fire department’s analyst for 18 years and supporting the police department for about seven years. “I was interested in this job because for the last 7 years I’ve been the backup to the executive secretary and I really enjoyed that work,” Foster said. She said her current duties include promotional test creation, administering testing, managing referrals, posting jobs and screening applicants, and that she has helped perform executive secretary duties when the incumbent was absent.

The search committee described a multi-step screening process: 81 total applications were redacted and screened, six finalists were interviewed, and three candidates were invited to final interviews before the committee settled on Foster. Board members praised Foster’s experience and knowledge of department procedures during a short question-and-answer session.

Board members also discussed transition planning. Nick Bradshaw said he and Foster would work on a handover; Bradshaw suggested a transition window he later described in discussion as approximately 60 days to conclude ongoing projects and allow Foster to take over duties gradually.

Action: The board recorded a motion to hire Melissa Foster; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. No board member voiced opposition.

Provenance: The board’s recommendation and Foster’s remarks appear in the meeting record beginning at 00:23:34 and the vote is recorded at 00:30:52. ","The Civil Service Merit Board on July 9 unanimously approved the appointment of Melissa (Missy) Foster as its executive secretary after a citywide search that produced 81 applicants and six finalists.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6740970,"Public commenter urges revisions to merit grading and grievance timelines; board to follow up",335,2207000,2542000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239&start=2207&end=2542","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239/thumbnail_2207000.jpg","/articles/6740970/Tennessee/Public-commenter-urges-revisions-to-merit-grading-and-grievance-timelines-board-to-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6740970-a004ff9e14c14f960682e9ea4e30e138/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146976&Signature=bsbfTrk0doTbtX-hQLmxS65OQLQq254Q~NJ2XISEpMGiydE16iiZzkm9sW1JRwvgJzgNMkfHhKtW6Eimk9bL~l-kGJnBJlYX9uBurAlEUyCWXhrNW~tx7kDRsUmfDR-4D1xiMk-GqhtLZktrNZL1VDdgXRcBgzH6rd-sOxteneMBhmYaAgejUBHltqX-NC7yEQ1-p1jJMF8LG~VttCBzRM36L58atk6HNnzWtS~56UdOqytIx-bma7By2kRw2F1XQvuE2uFt8fNARyel9jsjbE~ICPJSqeJJ5EIlj3wfJgUakpWTxfhnLKcHsEt6-xOSIE7GsMTq~l2z8vjTw8RZIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public commenter identifying himself as Lieutenant Cash used the board’s public comment period at the July 9 meeting to raise a series of questions and suggestions about the civil‑service system.

Lieutenant Cash asked how the merit system is structured to prevent favoritism and corruption, how past grading systems reflect merit‑based performance, whether comparable-sized cities use similar systems and what outcomes they have observed, and what steps the police department has taken recently to improve minority representation. He also asked how staffing levels compare with three years ago and what lessons have been learned from improvement initiatives.

On grievance procedures, Cash suggested extending the response window from five days to 30 days so individuals facing grievances have more time to prepare a response. He also suggested creating an advocate or support resource to help employees unfamiliar with grievance rules and procedures.

Bradshaw acknowledged receipt of the questions and told the commenter that staff would look into appropriate responses; the board agreed to aim for follow‑up at the next monthly meeting. No formal action was taken on the suggested grievance‑window change; the public comment was entered into the record and staff committed to preparing follow‑up information.

Provenance: Public comment and follow‑up request recorded beginning at 00:36:47.","A public commenter at the July 9 meeting urged the Civil Service Merit Board to review merit grading, minority representation and to consider extending grievance response timelines from five to 30 days; staff agreed to provide follow‑up information next month.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6740985,"Board approves three‑month extension for three grant‑funded positions",162,1026000,1188000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239&start=1026&end=1188","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239/thumbnail_1026000.jpg","/articles/6740985/Tennessee/Board-approves-threemonth-extension-for-three-grantfunded-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6740985-48d2fc273481e0884f2581a918878750/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146976&Signature=YKCKLAEJBMJ7vYnguUuD-2YJJ9fnsn1LJGd0cTn35yoHvmk4IrQEyDC8xi8qtx5RG8duiR2qf5i62~b3l5WNujluvZDHNDH74c0kmV2tlpSeFfTvsA21EvdWFlA7lUn1BBrwMtP8CpDAvqkdQodndvn17ZzYY9ISp~D8Za-55jBCYGmtaW1VPHFd8fcMLIe3WxM-QjysNbARqYHFLRszg9r9nHeQN6yZwxX6ZwonFfsuftlqJ3m47W1cmk9G4sAh92RWlY4aZNR2-DnyFBL0FYe-Iuyke5ssKill34zqkLMvESwy73Z5JnvJG21OeWDqv17zM9EpBrvJ9KjNk53oAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Civil Service Merit Board approved a three‑month exemption extension for two crime scene technician positions and one audiovisual technician at its July 9 meeting. The exemption, originally granted in 2023 for grant‑funded roles, will expire Sept. 30, 2025.

Nick Bradshaw told the board the positions were originally exempted in 2023 while grant funding was in place. The police department now has budgeted funding for the roles and intends to fill them permanently through the civil‑service process; the requested short extension is intended to provide a grace period to complete posting and referral procedures without disrupting current employees.

Board members asked whether three months was sufficient; Bradshaw said the positions are already posted and staff expects the civil‑service hiring steps can be completed within the extension. The board moved, seconded and approved the extension by voice vote.

Action: Motion carried to extend the exemption period through Sept. 30, 2025. No board member voiced opposition.","The Civil Service Merit Board on July 9 approved a request to extend exemptions for two crime scene technician positions and one audiovisual technician through Sept. 30, 2025 so the police department can complete civil‑service hiring processes for grant‑funded roles. The board moved, seconded and approved the extension by voice vote.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6740974,"Board schedules workshop to review proposed rule changes; outside counsel report nearing completion",76,1931000,2007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239&start=1931&end=2007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345846-024b105e95b02c6071511259130bb239/thumbnail_1931000.jpg","/articles/6740974/Tennessee/Board-schedules-workshop-to-review-proposed-rule-changes-outside-counsel-report-nearing-completion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6740974-f094609c88278a4013ab56bc538199bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146976&Signature=RiQ6nTrQTr-ubSL3sXdDJwc2fNazFvIlbxMqE4dh2qMMryeDNiG4JbmXC6Vs0zlkp-~l~d-Noo3f~9BImbc3Mh9fvTZZQIKp8pqcG~h9Aqm3NobqXc1ZfMJROYD3zth5qDNHCCvp-v45cW1VMWGhMWJPWFmaSFkN~u6aEacxizgf~kRwic4bYFjJhYC~SZFASCCqOHb25pTTtqgdAQZ6z8lnpwiF8q29k-dZHcA3HohUwOEf9g90DKkgUDPA29~qgzPN49OaCcWCE6yInqeXpn7G7-LF5sBu3pEp-KdYj4SnXQYXQgVFHyhie4JifSu07i5~Fd6tQMFlmhbx-8~Cng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff reported that outside counsel’s project reviewing rule changes is nearing completion and proposed a workshop so board members could review the draft in advance of the formal public hearing required for rule revisions.

Nick Bradshaw said the best approach is to hold a workshop so board members can hear from outside counsel, ask questions and become familiar with the proposed language before a public hearing that will accept comment and any formal opposition. The board agreed to schedule a workshop in connection with the next monthly meeting to review the draft and discuss next steps. A public hearing will follow the workshop as required by the board’s rule‑change procedures.

The outside counsel engagement began in December (per staff comment) and staff suggested the workshop as an intermediate step to ensure board members can ask detailed questions without the procedural constraints of a hearing.

Provenance: Staff update begins at 00:32:11 and workshop discussion continues through the meeting record.","Civil Service staff said outside counsel’s review of proposed rule changes is nearly finished and recommended a workshop to let board members review the draft before a formal public hearing. The board agreed to schedule a workshop around the August meeting to review the draft and prepare for the hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff reports: online testing, digitization and a $30,000 publicity line for FY26 modernization

Civil Service Merit Board unanimously hires Melissa Foster as executive secretary

Public commenter urges revisions to merit grading and grievance timelines; board to follow up

Board approves three‑month extension for three grant‑funded positions

Board schedules workshop to review proposed rule changes; outside counsel report nearing completion