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Commission limits hiring‑process ordinance to unclassified positions after civil‑service debate
Summary
After debate about civil‑service authority and in‑house HR, the commission approved an amended ordinance to add screening questions to unclassified job applications and defer changes affecting classified positions for follow‑up with civil service.
The Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District commission voted to approve an ordinance that will add screening questions to unclassified job applications, after commissioners debated civil‑service authority and the port’s human resources process.
Commissioner McCarty proposed limiting the ordinance’s application to unclassified positions and asked that the new questions be placed on a port application form. “They have to put this in writing,” Commissioner McCarty said during debate, referring to the requirement that applicants answer the new screening question(s) on the application form.
Commissioner Schultz and others pressed whether civil service had been consulted and whether civil‑service rules would prevent changes to classified positions’ official forms. “That would have to be approved by civil service if you’re changing their … application,” Commissioner Schultz said, noting the commission could not unilaterally change civil‑service procedures. Port staff explained that unclassified positions are advertised and managed by the port and that offers for executive positions remain contingent on civil‑service onboarding.
The commission discussed whether human resources functions are performed in‑house for unclassified hires and whether the port needs to create its own standard application; port staff said they will develop an application that includes the proposed language if the ordinance passes. Commissioners also debated whether to vote immediately on the unclassified portion while deferring changes affecting classified positions until they consult civil service.
The commission voted to approve the measure with the amendment limiting it to unclassified positions; the amended ordinance passed by recorded vote 8‑0.
Why this matters: the change will require applicants for unclassified port jobs to answer screening question(s) the commission considered necessary after prior hiring concerns; commissioners said the change improves the record made during interviews and applications while preserving civil‑service review for classified roles.
Next steps: port staff said they will create a standard application that includes the new language and will coordinate with civil service as needed for any future changes to classified positions.
