Civil Service Commission adopts interim promotional rule, schedules sergeant test and tentative hearing; candidate medical clearances delay paperwork

The Berkeley County Civil Service Commission on March 19 adopted a procedural addendum to its rules that directs staff to contact the sheriff’s office every 30 days to determine whether anyone has become eligible to take a promotional exam for a vacancy.

The vote followed weeks of discussion about how to handle vacancies where an eligible deputy has declined a promotion. Under the addendum approved by the commission, staff will send a letter to the sheriff every 30 days asking whether a deputy has become eligible and wishes to test. Commissioners said the change is intended to prevent eligible promotions from being forgotten while preserving the eligible deputy’s right to test if circumstances change.

Commissioners also set dates for promotion-related events. They scheduled a promotional test for the rank of sergeant on Thursday, April 24, at 9 a.m., in the county training room (date and room availability were confirmed by staff). The…