Saratoga Springs civil service panel approves routine hires, extensions and temporary police appointment

The Saratoga Springs Civil Service Commission on Sept. 20, 2025, unanimously approved a package of routine personnel actions including new hires, appointment extensions, provisional hires and two military leaves, and authorized a temporary appointment in the police department.

The actions matter because the commission oversees appointments and eligibility for the city’s classified service, which affects operations across departments including public safety, public works, recreation and the school district.

Commissioners approved minutes from the August meeting and then voted on a series of personnel transactions the commission described as routine. The commission recorded a laborer appointment at the City Center; staff said the employee “began, September 15,” (staff member Carissa). The Department of Public Works seasonal appointment that originally ran through Sept. 2 was extended through Sept. 30 and placed on the record as an extension rather than a new hire (staff member Carissa). The Saratoga Springs Housing Authority reported a reclassification/appointment to laborer and a non‑competitive appointment for a maintenance mechanic; the commission approved both.

In public safety items, the commission approved seven school crossing‑guard appointments. Staff noted that crossing guards are paid $15 an hour and described the work schedule and basic qualifications—must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalency (staff member Carissa). The commission also approved two military leaves of absence — for the police chief and for a dispatcher — and authorized a temporary appointment of the department’s assistant police chief, Frederick Warfield, to serve in the chief’s role during the chief’s expected six‑month absence (staff member Carissa).

Commissioners approved multiple recreation and school‑related appointments, many on a part‑time or provisional basis, and completed a block motion that confirmed a long list of hires and completed probationary periods for the school district and other city units. The block motion covered provisional clerks and keyboard specialists, non‑competitive class appointments, labor class appointments (including a food service helper and three school monitors), and completed probation for a building maintenance worker; the motion was approved without recorded objections.

The commission heard an update on eligible lists and exam announcements: two eligible lists were certified for assistant facilities manager and senior electrician, and staff described using county eligible lists in limited cases where minimum qualifications and exam subjects align. The commission noted routine retirements and resignations, including the resignation of one police officer, and set its next regular meeting for Oct. 29, 2025.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed by voice vote.