Gig Harbor Civil Service Commission authorizes new assessment center for sergeant promotion

The Gig Harbor Civil Service Commission voted May 7 to authorize the department to open a new assessment center to establish an eligibility register for sergeant promotion.

Civil Service staff told commissioners that last summer’s assessment produced an eligibility register from five candidates, all of whom passed; since the register was created three officers have been promoted and two officers remain active on the list. "There were five total candidates who participated, all of whom passed and were included on the eligibility register," the Civil Service staff member said, and noted the current list is set to expire Aug. 6.

Staff described two options for the Commission: extend the existing register for a single 12-month period, or allow the current register to expire and facilitate a new assessment center to create a fresh list. The department recommended the latter so officers who were unable to participate last year or who have become newly eligible would have an opportunity. "The Department has a desire to facilitate an assessment center to provide opportunity for those who were eligible last year who had not participated," the staff member said, adding that timing conflicts and changes in eligibility prompted the request.

Staff outlined a tentative timeline to support a new assessment: begin preparations in August, run a 30-day announcement/application window (likely mid-August), and hold the assessment center in late September. "My best estimate at this time is likely in September," the Civil Service staff member said, while noting those dates were not final.

Commission members said a new assessment appeared fair to officers who missed last year’s process. The Chair said, "I think it's only fair to all the officers that are eligible at this point," and moved to open an assessment in accordance with the department request; a second was recorded and the Commission voiced its approval.

The Commission did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the motion to authorize the assessment center was noted as approved. The meeting concluded after a motion to close and adjourn.

What happens next: staff will proceed with preparations if authorized, including the announcement period and scheduling the assessment center; specific dates and logistics were described as estimates and not yet finalized.