HR Reference Manual Chapter 7: Personnel Policies

See accompanying model documents below.

This material contains general information; it should not be used as a substitute for legal advice. Any attorney general opinions cited in this material are available on request from the League’s Research and Information Service staff.

Learn about those public sector personnel practices that can be effectively managed, at least in part, by following well written policy language.

Discusses city practices in setting employee personnel policies or handbooks, including coordination with state and federal laws, collective bargaining agreements, civil service rules and department work rules. Policy enforcement. Special considerations for elected officials, volunteer firefighters, other volunteers and interns. Policies considered include hiring, compensation, hours of work, telecommuting, holidays and leave including leave without pay, performance evaluation, discipline, separation from employment among others. Specially considered are sexual harassment prevention, grievances, health and safety, drug and alcohol testing and technology (computer use and electronic communications.)

Use these model documents with the discussion on “Personnel Policies”:

• Classification and Compensation Plan Framework for Smaller Cities (doc)
• Computer Use, LMC model policy (doc)
• Employment Application, LMC model form (doc)
• Family and Medical Leave, LMC model policy (doc)
• Hiring Policy, LMC model policy (doc)
• Overtime and Compensatory Time, LMC model policy, (doc)
• Personnel Policies Self Audit Checklist, LMC model form (doc)
• Personnel Policy Template, LMC model policy (doc)
• Supplemental Applications, LMC model forms (doc – compressed file. Will not download to some mobile devices.)
• Workers’ Compensation System Employee Information Sheet (pdf)