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Socorro Civil Service Commission approves revised dress and appearance policy
Summary
The Socorro City Civil Service Commission unanimously approved a streamlined dress and personal appearance policy on Nov. 24, 2025, that removes many specific prohibitions and gives supervisors discretion to address extreme cases while grandfathering current employees. Commissioners asked about enforcement, tattoos and hair color.
Socorro, N.M. — The Socorro City Civil Service Commission on Nov. 24 approved revisions to C-10, the city’s dress and personal appearance standards, adopting a shorter, less prescriptive policy that the Human Resources director said will make expectations clearer for employees while maintaining a professional image.
HR Director Carol Gandelotti told commissioners the version in the employee handbook dated Aug. 18, 2025, was “overly restricted” and included detailed prohibitions such as specific shoes, t-shirts and athletic wear; the revision condenses those rules into simpler language so employees can understand the standards. “We condensed it down to make it simple for everybody to understand,” she said.
Commissioners asked several questions about enforcement. Gandelotti said current employees would be grandfathered under the new language but new hires would be held to the clarified standard. She also said supervisors may require employees whose appearance “does not meet” expectations to cover visible tattoos or, in some cases, be sent home: “If a person is inappropriately dressed or visual tattoos are at a point where they need to be covered up, then the supervisor has the directive to send them home and get them appropriately dressed.”
Commissioners raised concerns about inconsistent application if a supervisor permits an appearance that later draws scrutiny from the city manager. Gandelotti said supervisors and the city manager maintain open communication and would discuss borderline cases before an employee is sent home.
The discussion touched on safety and public-image risks tied to footwear and emergency exposure, and commissioners asked how the policy would treat bright or “exotic” hair colors. Gandelotti emphasized the city must avoid discrimination and said supervisors would address only extreme cases after review. Commissioners also noted the potential financial burden on employees required to alter appearance and urged supervisory discretion to avoid unnecessary unpaid leave.
The motion to approve the revised C-10 policy was made and seconded; the four commissioners present voted in favor and the measure passed. Commissioner Cassandra Muro was recorded absent. The commission did not record amendments to the policy during the meeting.
