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Council adopts personnel handbook changes after protracted civil-service debate
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about which city positions are covered by classified civil service under Kentucky law, Shepherdsville council approved amendments to the personnel handbook and pay-classification plan, with the city attorney asked to provide a detailed memo on statutory compliance.
Council members debated revisions to the city's personnel policies and pay-classification plan during a sustained discussion about civil-service coverage before approving Ordinance 026016 on second reading.
The central question was which positions may be excluded from classified civil service under Kentucky law. Council members repeatedly cited KRS sections in the course of the exchange; staff said the city's ordinance historically used a procedure that referenced KRS 95.761 and then deferred to KRS 90.300 for definitions and coverage. Multiple council members noted the city's civil-service ordinance had been revised in 2006 and 2013, producing inconsistent language about which posts — including department heads and the city clerk — were covered.
Council member Rob Adams asked whether department heads would be removed from civil service and how a change would affect employees who had relied on prior treatment. Several council members said prior attorneys had interpreted the ordinance differently over the years and that the city must follow state statutes when they apply. A staff member noted that under KRS 90.300 (as interpreted in discussion) department heads and the city clerk are not "employees" for purposes of civil service coverage, which affects exclusion authority.
Council agreed to ask the city attorney to prepare a thorough memo laying out the statutory framework, the city's ordinance history and options for amendment to bring the local code into compliance. After discussion and motions, the council adopted the personnel ordinance changes on a recorded vote, with one member voting no.
Why it matters: The change affects the status and hiring/termination protections of senior staff. Council members emphasized that any personnel changes should be documented and implemented consistent with state law and fair processes for employees.
Next steps: The city attorney will provide written legal guidance and a memorandum to clarify which positions are excluded or included under state law and to recommend any further ordinance edits or transitional provisions for employees.
