Independence board backs clearer termination and disciplinary‑probation rules

The Independence Board of Directors voted to recommend revisions to the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual that require HR and City Manager approval before any termination and that restrict transfers while an employee is on disciplinary probation.

A staff member summarized the proposed changes: terminations would need approval by the City Manager and by Human Resources before an employee can be removed. "One is to clarify how terminations work. Make sure that that it's approved by the city manager and it's approved by HR, before anyone can be terminated from the city," the staff member said.

The proposed disciplinary‑probation change would prevent employees under disciplinary probation from transferring to another department or position until they complete that probationary period. The staff member emphasized this limitation would not apply to service probation for new employees, allowing new hires to accept other positions during their initial six‑month service probation if eligible. "This does not apply to service probation. So if you're a new employee and another opportunity pops up and you're still within your 6 months, of course, we want people to be able to move on up if that happens," the staff member said.

No public commenters spoke on the item. A board member moved to recommend the revisions to the City Council for adoption; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration and possible adoption.