Fort Scott commissioners review draft employee handbook; flag DEI language, hiring rules and weapons policy

At a Fort Scott City Commission work session, city staff and commissioners reviewed a draft employee handbook and identified several areas that need clarification before the handbook is finalized.

Commissioners and staff concentrated on how employees will acknowledge receipt and understanding of the handbook, whether a competency test should be required, how department hiring and candidate evaluation are documented, the proper title and duties for an employee-relations role, and wording on diversity, firearms and workplace safety. No formal votes were taken during the work session; commissioners asked staff to revise specific language and return the handbook for further review.

The draft includes an electronic distribution method and a sign-off confirming that employees have been given access to the handbook. Brad, the city manager, said employees will sign off that they were given the link; the proposed revision adds a competency test and a study guide so staff can confirm employees have reviewed highlighted policies. Brad also confirmed physical copies will remain available for employees without internet access.

Commissioners pressed for stronger documentation around performance reviews. The draft lists appraisal timing as "January, quarterly, semiannually, or an established local date each year." Commissioners asked that reviews be documented consistently and that supervisors use candidate-evaluation forms. Tracy Dancer and Brad…