§45-8-120.14. Charges; investigation; hearing.

Charges may be filed by any individual against any employee covered by this article as follows: The charges must be in writing, must set forth succinctly the matters complained of, and shall be sworn to before a member of the board or any other person authorized to administer oaths. Upon receipt of such charges, the board shall refer them to the appropriate appointing authority who shall make an investigation of the charges along with the county attorney and take action as determined to be warranted by the findings of his or her investigation. If the appointing authority's action involves a demotion, suspension without pay, or dismissal of a regular status classified service employee, such action shall be taken in accordance with Section 45-8-120.13. A written report of the appointing authority's findings and action shall be submitted to the board within 15 calendar days of his or her receipt of the charges from the board. If the board, or the complainant, objects to the appointing authority's findings or action, or both, the board shall hold a public hearing de novo on the charges, and take such disciplinary action as in their judgment is warranted by the evidence and under the law. If the employee objects to the appointing authority's action, he or she may file an appeal with the board in accordance with Section 45-8-120.15 and guidelines as established by the board.

(Act 96-479, p. 595, §15.)