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Commission removes bonus-point preference, reopens applications and schedules June 13 test
Summary
Burke County commissioners adopted an addendum removing bonus-point preferences for previously certified officers, voted to reopen continuous online applications, set an open-entry test for June 13, 2026, approved an additional $1,000 legal retainer and removed one ineligible applicant from the eligibility list.
Commissioners for the Burke County Deputy Sheriff Civil Service Commission voted April 15 to remove language in local rules that awarded extra written-exam points to previously certified law-enforcement officers, reopen continuous online applications for deputy hires, and set an open-entry test for Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Commissioner Will presented addendum RR2026-004 to strike references awarding additional points for previously certified officers, saying the commission's legal adviser had advised the points were improper. "We know that our legal advisor told us that the bonus points are illegal," Will said, and moved to adopt the addendum. Commissioners approved the motion by voice vote.
Members discussed trade-offs: some argued bonus points have been a recruiting tool that speeds officers onto the street, while others noted a Berkeley County court decision and counsel's guidance that required removal or reworking of the system before any lawful crediting could be reinstated. The commission directed staff to remove improper bonus-point language now and revisit development of any lawful credit system later.
On operational hiring steps, commissioners voted to re-open continuous online applications after staff reported multiple current and anticipated vacancies (five as of the meeting), and set an open-entry physical/fitness test for June 13, 2026, to be held at Martinsburg High School, with the athletic director, Davis Moore, confirming field availability. The test is to commence at 8:00 a.m.
The commission also approved an additional $1,000 retainer for the commission's outside attorney, Patrick Henry, to cover recent legal work and advice; staff had reported the prior retainer had been exhausted after a $550 invoice. Finally, in a separate personnel action, the commission approved removal of applicant Christopher KDstead from the eligible list after certified notice and no request for hearing by the stated deadline.
The changes to the rules and scheduling aim to accelerate hiring while the commission and its counsel rework substantive crediting mechanisms to align with legal guidance. Commissioners said they would continue to consult counsel as they draft any replacement system.
