§ 72. REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.

The Mayor shall have the right to suspend, reduce in rank or dismiss any officer or employee in the Division of Police and Fire and the Chiefs of the Divisions of Police and Fire shall have the right to suspend and/or recommend the reduction in rank or dismissal of any officers or employees in the said division for incompetence, inefficiency, abuse of chemical substances, disorderly or immoral conduct, discourteous treatment of any citizen or of the public at large, insubordination, neglect of duty, for violation of the rules and regulations of the Police Division or Fire Division or Civil Service, or for any other just and reasonable cause. In the event that such suspension and/or recommendation is made by the Police or Fire Chief, the said Chief shall forthwith, in writing, certify the fact, together with the cause therefor to the Mayor, who, within five (5) days from the receipt of such certification, or a later time if agreed to by the officer or employee, shall conduct a hearing on said cause and render judgment thereon within ten (10) days after the hearing, which judgment, if the charge be sustained, may be suspension, reduction in rank, or dismissal; provided, however, that an appeal may be had to the Civil Service Commission from the decision of the Mayor. In the event of such appeal, which shall be filed not later than ten (10) days from the date of the Mayor's judgment, the Mayor shall, upon notice thereof forthwith transmit to the Commission a copy of the charges and proceedings appertaining thereto. Within thirty (30) days, or a later time if agreed to by the officer or employee, after the receipt of said copy, the said Civil Service Commission shall hear such appeal and may affirm, disaffirm or modify the judgment of the Mayor. In the event that such suspension, reduction in rank or dismissal is made by the Mayor, the Mayor shall forthwith, in writing, certify the fact, together with the cause therefor, to the Civil Service Commission, and said Commission shall, not later than thirty days after the receipt of such certification, proceed to hear such cause and render judgment thereon. The employee or appointing authority may appeal the decision of the Civil Service Commission to the Court of Common Pleas pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2506. In any investigation of charges against any employee in the Division of Police or Fire, the Mayor shall have the same power to administer oaths and secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers as is conferred upon the Council.

(V 44 p 311; Approved by voters Nov. 5, 1935) (Amendment adopted by electorate 11-4-80; Amendment adopted by electorate 11-4-80)