July 18, 2023 |
Photo – Hanna Entrance Sign – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Hanna Town council has changed the procedure for firing town employees. During the July 11th council meeting, Hanna Mayor Jon Ostling discussed a proposed amendment to the town’s procedures on terminating a town employee. Town Attorney Patrick Brady said the revised ordinance would require either the mayor or town council’s approval to end a town worker’s employment.
Under the current ordinance prior to the vote, a town employee can be fired by their immediate supervisor. The amended ordinance would require the mayor to authorize the supervisor’s termination request. The amended rule also allows the mayor to request an employee’s termination himself. In that case, the town council would need to give their permission.
Councilman Sam Sikes asked why a department head should require the town’s approval before firing a worker. Attorney Brady said the revised regulation would act as a safeguard against a supervisor with a personal vendetta against a subordinate employee.
Councilman Sikes asked if a department head can be terminated at any time. Attorney Brady said yes, but it would also require the approval of the mayor and town council.
Attorney Brady said the reason for amending the ordinance is to eliminate the right of an employee to legally challenge their termination through a due process hearing. In the case of a due process hearing, the town would be required to provide a third party to mediate the dispute and potentially pay legal fees. Brady said the town isn’t required to offer a due process hearing. The town attorney said the amendment would unify the ordinance with established regulations.
Attorney Brady said the amendment wouldn’t change how the town deals with immediate terminations. The town attorney said if an employee is flagrantly disregarding safety rules, their supervisor can dismiss the individual from the job site. Afterwards, the mayor will decide whether to fire the employee or not.
Attorney Brady said the ordinance amendment would bring the regulations in line with what is written in the town’s employee handbook. The town council members passed Ordinance 402, amending Title 2 of the Hanna Code regulating the procedures for terminating town employees on the first reading.
