63.12
63.12
Investigations; testimonial powers; witnesses. 63.12(1)(1) Each member of the commission may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, examine witnesses and compel the production of documents, records, and papers of all sorts in conducting such investigations as the commission may deem necessary or proper in order to ascertain whether or not the provisions of
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 are being carried into effect. The commission may examine such public records as it requires in relation to any such investigation. All officers and other persons in the civil service of the county shall attend and testify when required to do so by the commission.
63.12(2)
(2) In case of the refusal of any person to comply with any subpoena issued hereunder or to testify to any matter regarding which the person may be lawfully interrogated, the circuit court of the county or the judge thereof, on application of any one of the commissioners, shall issue an order requiring such person to comply with such subpoena and to testify, or either, and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.
63.12(3)
(3) Each person, not in the civil service of the county, who appears before the commission by its order shall receive for attendance the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil actions in courts of record which shall be paid out of the appropriation to the commission. But no witness subpoenaed at the instance of parties other than the commission shall be entitled to witness fees or mileage unless the commission certifies that the testimony of the witness was relevant and material to the matter investigated.
63.12 History
History: 1991 a. 316.
63.13
63.13
Certification of payrolls. No payment for personal services of any officer or employee in the classified service of any county wherein
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 are applicable shall be made by any county officer unless the commission has certified that the officer or employee claiming such payment is holding a position legally under the provisions of said
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 and the rules of the commission. Such certification shall be required on each and every payroll for each and every office and position in the county service, which is subject to the provisions of said
ss. 63.01 to
63.16. County officers making payments in violation of this section shall be liable for the full amount thus paid and shall be deemed guilty of a violation of the provisions of said
ss. 63.01 to
63.16, and subject to the penalties provided in
s. 63.17.
63.13 History
History: 1991 a. 316.
63.14
63.14
Prohibited influences and practices. 63.14(1)
(1) Except as provided otherwise by
s. 63.08 (1) (f), no factor or influence other than the fitness of a person to perform the duties of the position in which the person is acting or employed, or to which the person is seeking appointment, shall affect the determination of appointments, promotions, transfers, suspensions or discharges with respect to any position within the scope of
ss. 63.01 to
63.16.
63.14(2)
(2) The following practices are especially forbidden in any county wherein
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 are applicable: Pernicious political activity by any county officer or employee in the classified service; the giving of any consideration, whether financial or otherwise, in return for appointment to a position in the service of said county; the obstruction or deceiving of any person desiring to take an examination under the provisions of said sections, or desiring to secure information concerning any such examination; the deliberate mismarking or miscalculation of grades of any applicant taking an examination under said sections; the impersonation by any person of any other person in connection with the holding of any examination under said sections; and the giving to or receiving by candidates for examination information or assistance enabling such candidates to obtain an unfair or improper advantage over other candidates for the same examination.
63.14(3)
(3) No county specified in
s. 63.01 or any department, officer or employee thereof shall hire or employ a person, subject to civil service in such county, at a wage or salary less than that advertised by the civil service commission of such county for the position to be filled, nor shall such county, department, officer or employee pay, or cause to be paid, salaries or wages of different amounts to persons in the same classification and stage of advancement, unless such difference in salaries or wages shall be based on difference of work performed or the time of day or night of performance of work; provided that where there has been a general reclassification of title and compensation of positions the county board is authorized to provide by ordinance that persons having civil service tenure at the effective date of such reclassification and occupying positions which have been reclassified, so as to result in a decrease in compensation, may continue to serve under the position title as it existed prior to such reclassification and receive the compensation thereof according to the former range during their tenure, and in the event that such general reclassification shall result in a position being reclassified to a higher grade, and the present incumbent of such position shall not have or by examination attain eligibility for certification to such higher grade, the incumbent shall retain the status and compensation of the position during the incumbent's tenure of the position in conformity with civil service.
63.14(4)
(4) The county board of any county specified in
s. 63.01 is authorized to provide by ordinance the establishment of wage or salary differentials to collect shift differentials within one classification based upon the time of day or night of the performance of work.
63.14 Annotation
A county's statutory "home rule" power under s. 59.03 (1) did not authorize it to pay two groups of sheriff's captains differently and its home rule authority did not trump sub. (3). Roberson v. Milwaukee County,
2011 WI App 50,
332 Wis. 2d 787,
798 N.W.2d 256,
10-0857.
63.15
63.15
Existing officers and employees, how affected. 63.15(1)(a)
(a) The commission shall administer a noncompetitive examination to any person who is appointed by the county for a definite term, who is included within the classified service of the county on the date that
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 go into effect in the county and who has been in service and on the payroll of the county less than 4 years preceding that date. The person shall retain his or her position if the commission determines, based on the person's performance on the examination, that the person is qualified for the position.
63.15(1)(b)
(b) Any person who is included within the classified service appointed by the county for a definite term, who is included within the classified service of the county on the date that
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 go into effect in the county and who has been in service and on the payroll of the county continuously for at least the 4 years immediately preceding that date shall retain his or her position without any examination.
63.15(2)
(2) If a department, unit or other established entity and its employees are brought into the county service in a county in which
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 are in effect, any employee in a position required to be in classified service shall retain his or her position if the person takes a noncompetitive examination and if the commission determines, based on the examination, that the person is qualified for the position.
63.15(3)
(3) No provision of this section prevents suspension, demotion or discharge of any employee subject to
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 under
s. 63.10 or an applicable collective bargaining agreement.
63.15 History
History: 1983 a. 148;
1987 a. 153.
63.16
63.16
Appropriation for commission. A sufficient sum shall be provided each year by the county board of supervisors of each county in which
ss. 63.01 to
63.16 become operative to enable the commission created thereunder, to exercise the powers and perform the duties therein specified.
63.17
63.17
Violations, county civil service. Any person who willfully, or through culpable negligence, violates any provisions of
ss. 63.01 to
63.16, or any rule promulgated in accordance with the provisions thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not less than 30 days, nor more than one year or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
FIRST CLASS CITY
63.18
63.18
First class city commission; appointment; terms. The mayor of each 1st class city, whether the city is incorporated by special act of the legislature or under the general laws of the state, shall, before June 15 in the year following the first state or national census, showing the city to belong to the 1st class, appoint 5 persons, citizens and residents of the city, who shall constitute and be known as the board of city service commissioners of the city, and shall designate one of the persons so appointed to serve for a term of 5 years, one for a term of 4 years, one for a term of 3 years, one for a term of 2 years, and one for a term of one year, from the first Monday of July in the year of their appointment and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. In cities having a board of city service commissioners the members of such board shall hold office and continue to be a member of such commission until the expiration of the term or terms of such member or members, and in each and every year after such first appointment, the mayor shall, in like manner, in the month of June, appoint one person as the successor of the commissioner whose term shall expire in that year, to serve as such commissioner for 5 years from the first Monday of July then next ensuing, and until a successor is appointed and qualified. The commission shall, at a meeting in July of each year, elect one member to act as president and one member to act as vice president, each for a term of one year, and until a successor is duly elected. Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum necessary for the transaction of business. Any vacancy in the office of commissioner occurring during the term shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the mayor and all appointments, both original and to fill vacancies, shall be so made that not more than 2 commissioners shall at the time of the appointment be members of the same political party. The commissioners shall hold no other lucrative office or employment under the United States, this state, or any municipal corporation or political division thereof, and each commissioner shall before entering upon the discharge of the duties of office and within 10 days after receiving notice of appointment, take and subscribe the oath of office prescribed by
article IV, section 28, of the constitution, and file the oath, duly certified by the officer administering it with the clerk of his or her city.
63.18 History
History: 1979 c. 89;
1983 a. 192.
63.19
63.19
Duties and powers of board. Every board of city service commissioners appointed under
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 shall investigate the enforcement of
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 and of its rules, adopted in accordance with
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 to carry out the purposes of
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 and the action of the examiners provided for in
ss. 63.18 to
63.53, and the conduct and action of the appointees in the official service in its city, and may inquire as to the nature, tenure and compensation of all offices and places in the public service thereof. In the course of such investigation each commissioner may administer oaths, and the board may secure by its subpoena both the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers relevant to the investigation. The commission may investigate the character and standing in the community of all applicants for examination and appointment in the city service under
ss. 63.18 to
63.53.
63.19 History
History: 1979 c. 89.
63.20
63.20
Compulsory attendance and fees of witnesses. Any person who is served with a subpoena to appear and testify or to produce books and papers, issued by the board of city service commissioners in the course of any investigation conducted under
ss. 63.18 to
63.53, and who refuses or neglects to appear and testify or to produce books and papers relevant to the investigation, as commanded in the subpoena, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall on conviction be punished by a fine or imprisonment or both, as provided under
ss. 63.18 to
63.53. The fees of witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same as the fees of witnesses before the circuit courts of this state, and shall be paid from the appropriation for the expenses of the board. Any circuit court of this state or any judge thereof, upon application of the board, may compel the attendance of witnesses, the production of books and papers and giving of testimony before the board by attachment for contempt or otherwise, in the same manner as the production of evidence may be compelled before the court. Every person, who takes an oath or makes affirmation before a commissioner in the course of the investigation, and swears or affirms willfully, corruptly and falsely, shall be guilty of perjury, and upon conviction shall be punished accordingly.
63.20 History
History: 1977 c. 449;
1979 c. 221.
63.21
63.21
Annual report. The board of commissioners shall, on or before March 15 in each year, make to the mayor for transmission to the common council of such city, a report showing its own action, the rules in force, the practical effects thereof, and any suggestions it may approve for the more effectual accomplishment of the purposes of
ss. 63.18 to
63.53. The mayor may require a report from the board at any other time.
63.21 History
History: 1979 c. 89.
63.22
63.22
City and its officers to cooperate in carrying out the law. All officers of any such city shall aid the board in all proper ways in carrying out
ss. 63.18 to
63.53, and at any place where examinations are to be held, shall allow the reasonable use of the public buildings for holding such examinations. The mayor of each city shall cause suitable rooms to be provided for the board at the expense of the city, and a sufficient sum of money shall be appropriated each year by each city to carry out
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 in the city.
63.22 History
History: 1979 c. 89.
63.23
63.23
Classification of offices. 63.23(1)
(1) The city service commission shall classify all offices and positions in the city service, excepting those subject to the exemptions of
s. 63.27, according to the duties and responsibilities of each position. Classification shall be so arranged that all positions which in the judgment of the commission are substantially the same with respect to authority, responsibility and character of work are included in the same class. From time to time the commission may reclassify positions upon a proper showing that the position belongs to a different class.
63.23(2)
(2) The city service commission may, if it sees fit, receive any expert study or recommendation of the classification, allocation and compensation of offices and positions in the service of the city and transmit the same, with or without the commission's recommendations, to the common council. Any such report shall become effective when approved by the common council.
63.235
63.235
Delegation to board of school directors. In a 1st class city, the city service commission shall delegate its recruitment and hiring duties related to specified classifications of school employees to the board of school directors if the board adopts a resolution requesting the commission to do so.
63.235 History
History: 1987 a. 382;
1989 a. 290.
63.24
63.24
Commission to make rules. The commissioners shall make such rules adapted to carry out the purposes of
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 and not inconsistent with
ss. 63.18 to
63.53, as in their judgment shall be adapted to secure the best service for the city in each department affected by
ss. 63.18 to
63.53, and as shall tend to promote expedition and speed the elimination of all unnecessary formalities in making appointments. All rules so made shall be subject to the approval of the mayor of the city, and they may with like approval be from time to time altered or rescinded by the commissioners. If the mayor takes no action on a rule or an amendment to the rules, submitted to the mayor, within 10 days from the date of its submission, then the rule or amendment to the rules shall become effective as though approved by the mayor. The commissioners shall supervise the administration of rules so established.
63.24 History
History: 1979 c. 89.
63.25
63.25
Rules, what to require. 63.25(1)
(1) The rules mentioned in
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 shall provide among other things for the following:
63.25(1)(a)
(a) For open, competitive examinations and for other examinations by which to test applicants for office or for employment as to their practical fitness to discharge the duties of the positions which they desire to fill, which examinations shall be public and free to all persons with proper limitations as to age, health, and, subject to
ss. 111.321,
111.322, and
111.335, arrest and conviction record.
63.25(1)(b)
(b) For the filling of vacancies in offices and places of employment in accordance with the results of such examinations, and for the selection of persons for public employment in accordance with such results, or otherwise, as may seem most desirable to carry out
ss. 63.18 to
63.53.
63.25(1)(c)
(c) For the promotions in offices or positions on the basis of ascertained merit and seniority in service, or by examination, or by both, as may seem desirable.
63.25(1)(d)
(d) For a period of probation before an appointment or employment is made permanent. During or at the end of such probationary period the appointment may be terminated by the commissioners after investigation, or the appointing officer or board may terminate same, but in case of termination by the appointing officer or board the commission may, under its general investigative powers, review the circumstances and take such action as may in its judgment seem desirable for the best interests of the service. Nothing herein shall be construed to confer on any officer or employee a right of appeal as provided in
s. 63.43 during or at the end of the probationary period.
63.25(2)
(2) All rules made as provided in
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 and all changes therein shall forthwith be printed for distribution by the board.
63.26
63.26
Appointments to conform to rules. From and after the adoption of such rules, all appointments to subordinate offices, positions and employments in the several departments of the service of such city, which are subject to such rules, shall be made by the respective heads of such departments under and in conformity with the provisions of such rules.
63.27
63.27
Rules not applicable to certain officers. Officers who are elected by the people, or who by the statutes are required to be elected by the city council, inspectors and clerks of election, one deputy in each department whose office was created and exists by reason of statute, the members of the board of school directors, persons enumerated in
s. 63.53 (2), heads of principal departments of the city, all members of the law, fire and police departments, permanent or temporary technical advisers and experts employed by the board of assessment under
s. 32.52 (4), one private secretary of the mayor, the appointees of the mayor under
s. 62.51 and any other officers, clerks or employees in the service of the city whose positions, in the judgment of the city service commissioners, cannot for the time being be subjected, with advantage to the public service, to the general rules prepared under this chapter shall not be affected as to their election, selection or appointment by rules made by the commissioners.
63.28
63.28
Civil service to include stenographic and clerical employees in the office of the city attorney. The expression "members of the law, fire and police departments" as used in
s. 63.27 and as used in any charter ordinance in any city of the first class which may supersede, amend, extend or modify said section for said city, shall be held to include all employees of the law department of such city who are members of the bar engaged in legal duties but shall not be held to include clerks, stenographers, typists or other employees of the law department who are not members of the bar.
63.29
63.29
Civil service for attorneys in office of city attorney. 63.29(1)(1) In any city of the first class the common council may by ordinance provide for civil service in the office of the city attorney except for the city attorney and the deputy city attorney.
63.29(2)
(2) The matters treated in this section are declared to be of local and not statewide concern.
63.29 History
History: 1991 a. 316;
1993 a. 213.
63.30
63.30
Secretary; selection, duties. The board of city service commissioners shall select a secretary of the board, who shall be its chief executive and administrative officer and who shall, subject to its direction and control, administer the city civil service law and rules and the personnel statutes and ordinances governing city service employment, direct and coordinate the work and staff of the board, act as liaison officer between the board and the several departments, bureaus, boards and commissions and perform such other duties as the board may direct.
63.30 History
History: 1987 a. 382;
1989 a. 31.
63.31
63.31
Funds for board. The common council of any city of the first class shall hereafter provide such funds for the annual support and operation of the board of city service commissioners as in its judgment may be necessary for the purpose of carrying out all of its functions, duties and responsibilities assigned to it by law or by the common council. The procedure applicable to appropriations and disbursements of such board shall be determined as provided in
ch. 65.
63.32
63.32
Applicants to be examined; character of examinations. All applicants for offices, places or employments in the civil service of such city, except those mentioned in
s. 63.27, shall be residents of this state before their application for examination, and shall be subject to examination under and in accordance with the rules so made by said commissioners; except that for technical and professional services the commission may open the examination to residents of other states who are citizens of the United States. Such examinations, including minimum training and experience requirements, shall be job-related in compliance with appropriate validation standards and may include tests of physical qualifications, and, when appropriate, of manual skill. All relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid, shall satisfy experience requirements. No otherwise qualified blind persons shall be discriminated against in examination, reexamination, appointment, reappointment, promotion or demotion unless eyesight is absolutely indispensable for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the position. No question in any examination shall relate to political or religious opinions or affiliations, and no appointment or selection to an office or for employment within the scope of the rules established as aforesaid shall be in any manner affected or influenced by such opinions or affiliations. All such applicants may be examined by a competent physician as to the soundness of their health for the work to be performed. Upon the request of an applicant or an eligible for a civil service position who is blind, the department of health services, shall obtain from the city civil service commission a detailed description of all duties entailed by such position and shall investigate the necessity for eyesight in the fulfillment of the duties of any position, and shall determine and report its findings to the civil service commission, as to the physical ability of the applicant, or eligible, to perform the duties of such position. Such findings shall be conclusive as to the physical qualifications of any applicant or eligible so examined.
63.33
63.33
Examinations reasonable. The examinations held under
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 shall consist of any reasonable and impartial method of ascertaining the fitness or relative merit of candidates. To ensure competitive equality between the blind and persons not so handicapped in connection with the taking of civil service examinations, the applicant may request from the civil service commission the furnishing of an amanuensis or a reader when necessary, and the furnishing of a place to take the examination, or other similar prerequisites to ensure equality in the examination.
63.33 History
History: 1979 c. 89.
63.34
63.34
Notice of examinations. Notice of the time, place and general scope of every examination shall be given by the board by publication of a class 3 notice, under
ch. 985, and such notice shall also be posted by said board in a conspicuous place in its office at least 10 days before such examination. Such further notice of examinations may be given as the board shall prescribe.
63.35
63.35
Application, contents. 63.35(1)
(1) Every application, in order to entitle the applicant to appear for examination, or to be examined, must state the facts under oath on the following subjects:
63.35(1)(a)
(a) Full name, residence address and post-office address.
63.35(1)(e)
(e) Health and physical capacity for the public service.
63.35(1)(f)
(f) Previous employment in the public service.
63.35(1)(g)
(g) Business or employment and residence for the previous 5 years.
63.35(2)
(2) In addition to the information required under
sub. (1), the applicant shall furnish any other information that may reasonably be required by the board concerning the applicant's fitness for the public service.
63.35 History
History: 1995 a. 225.
63.36
63.36
Appointment of examiners; compensation. 63.36(1)(1) The board shall control all examinations, and may, whenever an examination is to take place, designate a suitable number of persons, either in or not in the official service of the city, to be examiners, and the examiners shall make return or report of the examination to the board. The board may, at any time, substitute any other person, whether or not in the official service of the city, in the place of anyone so selected. The board may themselves, at any time, act as examiners under this section without appointing examiners. The examiners, at any examination, shall not all be members of the same political party. No person shall serve in an examination of a candidate for office under
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 who is a relative or connected by marriage within the degree of first cousin.
63.36(2)
(2) Persons in the service of the city shall not be compensated for acting as examiners if they are public officers or if their service as examiners is rendered during their paid working schedule, but the board may compensate employees of the board of school directors for serving as city service examiners beyond their regular working hours and beyond their regular duties as such employees.
63.37
63.37
Board to keep a register of eligibles. From the returns or reports of the examiners, or from the examinations made by the board, the board shall prepare and keep a register for each grade or class of position in the service of such city, of the persons whose general average standing upon examinations for such grade or class is not less than the minimum fixed by the rules of such board, and who are otherwise eligible, and such persons shall take rank upon the register as candidates in the order of their relative excellence as determined by examination without reference to priority of time of examination. The board shall impose no restrictions as to age in case of veterans, and veterans and their spouses shall be given preference points in accordance with
s. 230.16 (7).
63.37 History
History: 1977 c. 196;
1991 a. 101.
63.38
63.38
Persons examined not to be obstructed, aided or impersonated. No person or officer shall willfully and corruptly, by himself or in cooperation with one or more other persons, defeat, deceive or obstruct any person in respect to his or her right of examination, or corruptly or falsely mark, grade, estimate or report upon the examination or proper standing of any person examined hereunder, or aid in so doing or willfully or corruptly make any false representations concerning the same or concerning the person examined, or willfully or corruptly furnish to any person any special or secret information for the purpose either of improving or injuring the prospects or chances of any person so examined, or to be examined, of being appointed, employed or promoted, or personate any other person, or permit or aid in any manner any other person to personate him or her, in connection with any examination, or registration or application or request to be examined or registered.
63.39
63.39
Vacancies, how filled. 63.39(1)
(1) If a position classified and graded under
ss. 63.18 to
63.53 becomes vacant, the appointing officer may fill the position or let it remain vacant. If the appointing officer chooses to fill the vacant position, the appointing officer may, with the approval of the board of city service commissioners, fill it through reinstatement, promotion, reduction or open competitive examination. If the appointing officer chooses not to fill the vacant position by reinstatement, promotion or reduction, the appointing officer shall so notify the board. Except as provided under
sub. (2), if the board is so notified, it shall certify to the appointing officer from the list of eligibles the names and addresses of any number of persons standing highest on the list, in accordance with rules established by the board. All persons on the list who have the same test score shall be included on the same certification. If there are less than 3 names upon an eligible list, certification shall be made and, unless objection is made by the appointing officer to the person or persons so certified and the objection sustained by the board, appointment shall be made under the rules.
63.39(2)
(2) If the appointing officer chooses not to fill a vacant managerial, supervisory or confidential position through reinstatement, promotion or reduction, the appointing officer shall so notify the board of city service commissioners. If the board is so notified, it shall certify to the appointing officer from the list of eligibles the names and addresses of any number of persons standing highest on the list, in accordance with rules established by the board. All persons on the list who have the same test score shall be included on the same certification. If there are less than 5 names on an eligible list, certification shall be made and, unless objection is made by the appointing officer to the person or persons so certified and unless the objection is sustained by the board, appointment shall be made under the rules.
63.39(2m)
(2m) Notwithstanding
s. 230.16 (7), the board shall certify persons from the list of eligibles without adding preference points to their grades. After the certification under
sub. (1) or
(2), the board shall add to the certification list any veteran or veteran's spouse whose grade, plus the points to which the veteran or spouse is entitled under
s. 230.16 (7), is equal to or higher than the lowest grade on the list of eligibles.
