Employee Handbook

VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT

Whenever an employee meets the conditions set forth in the pension plan, he/she may elect to retire and receive all benefits earned under the plan. Specific guidelines for retirement are set forth in the plan document entitled the City of Athens Pension Plan which is on file in the Human Resources Department.

DEATH

Separation shall be effective as of the date of death. All compensation due in accordance with this rule shall be paid to the estate of the employee, except for such sums as by law must be paid to the surviving spouse.

DISMISSAL

All employees of the City are employees-at-will and may be dismissed by the City Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notification. Employees do not have a contractual right to continued employment or a specific duration of employment and shall not have a property interest in their jobs.

REINSTATEMENT

An employee who is separated because of reduction in force may be reinstated within one year of the date of separation, upon recommendation of the Department Head, through the Human Resources Director, and upon approval of the City Manager. An employee who is reinstated in this manner may be re-credited with his or her previously accrued sick leave. An employee in good standing who is separated due to a reduction in force shall be given the first opportunity to be reinstated in the same or a similar position.

REHIRING

An employee who resigns while in good standing may be rehired and shall be regarded as a new employee, subject to all of the provisions of rules and regulations of this Policy.

A re-hired employee will be paid at a pay rate within the approved pay range for the position in which he/she is rehired and shall be at a rate comparable to the one previously held, provided separation was no discredit to the employee and was not for disciplinary reasons. An employee can be rehired with the recommendation of the Department Head and the approval of the Human Resources Director and City Manager, provided:

a. His/her former position, or a similar position, is vacant.

b. He/she makes application for reinstatement within 2 years of the date of his/her resignation.

c. He/she is still qualified to perform the essential functions of his/her former position or a similar position.

DISCIPLINE

AUTHORITY TO DISCIPLINE

The City Manager has the full authority to discipline any City employee and may delegate to Department Heads the authority to discipline employees within their department in accordance with this article. It is the intent of the City to practice progressive discipline in the manner of verbal reprimands, written reprimands, suspension, and dismissal, when possible and appropriate. The denial of any pay increase, promotion, or advancement shall not be regarded as disciplinary action.