§ 2-5. PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT

An employee appointed initially or promoted to a full-time, permanent position will serve a probationary period of six months, except for law enforcement officers, who must serve a twelve-month probationary period. An employee may be dismissed without appeal rights during the probationary period following initial appointment at any time the department head (or in the case of department heads, the county manager) feels the employee is not satisfactorily performing his assigned duties. An employee serving a probationary period following initial employment in a permanent position will receive all benefits provided in accordance with this ordinance.

Employees serving probationary period following a promotion will continue to receive all benefits provided in accordance with this policy and under other supplementary rules and regulations.

Before an employee's completion of the probationary period, the department will indicate in writing to the county manager:

(a)

That he has discussed the employee's progress (accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses) with the employee;

(b)

Whether the employee is performing satisfactory work;

(c)

Whether the probationary period for non-law enforcement personnel should be extended; and

(d)

In all but the sheriff's department and register of deeds' office, whether the employee should be retained in his present position or should be released, transferred, or demoted.

The county manager will be bound by these requirements in evaluating department heads before completion of their probationary periods. If retained, the employee will be considered a permanent employee.