Auburn Civil Service Chairman Robert Welch said Wednesday he will likely resign, possibly today.
Welch, whose term expires this month, said he decided after he was told he would not be re-appointed.
Auburn City Council Democratic Party members held a caucus Tuesday, and it was confirmed the Civil Service Commission was discussed. Welch said he was informed Wednesday that there were not enough votes to support his re-appointment.
Democrats have a four-to-one majority on the council.
“After 14 years (with civil service), it took me by surprise,” said Welch, who is also a Democrat. “I'm taking my resignation down there first thing in the morning.”
The Civil Service Commission is composed of three individuals who are appointed by city council to serve six-year terms. The commission handles various city personnel issues, including administering civil service exams and appointing and certifying people from eligible lists.
The most recent development comes after a number of disagreements between the commission and city officials.
City Manager Mark Palesh proposed in the city's 2008-2009 budget to cut funding for the secretary to civil service. Appointed by the commissioners, the secretary helps carry out the day-to-day business of the office.
Welch expressed frustration after the budget was released and said the commission intended to argue against the cut in front of city council.
In April, the commission denied a request from Palesh and city officials to allow the fire and police departments to hire new individuals laterally, or from other departments. Welch said at the time that the city should hire local people from its own list of eligible applicants.
Looking further back, Auburn voters turned down a referendum to eliminate the commission altogether and transfer its function to a personnel officer.
Welch said Wednesday that the series of arguments between the city and commission has been “one of the craziest” things he has experienced “in (his) entire life.” Civil service has always tried to cooperate with the city, he said.
“This commission has always done the best we can,” Welch said. “The only thing we haven't done is give them the (lateral) transfers.”
Palesh said Wednesday that he was not aware of Welch's intentions and declined further comment.
City Councilor Thomas McNabb said Welch called him Wednesday afternoon to inform him. McNabb said it wasn't necessary, and that he believed the council would have re-appointed Welch.
McNabb added that the issues between the city and civil service are examples of an administration trying to run the commission.
“(The Civil Service Commission) is a tool of the public and the watchdog for the taxpayers,” McNabb said. “The only ones they answer to are in Albany.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
Auburn City Council Democratic Party members held a caucus Tuesday, and it was confirmed the Civil Service Commission was discussed. Welch said he was informed Wednesday that there were not enough votes to support his re-appointment.
Democrats have a four-to-one majority on the council.
“After 14 years (with civil service), it took me by surprise,” said Welch, who is also a Democrat. “I'm taking my resignation down there first thing in the morning.”
The Civil Service Commission is composed of three individuals who are appointed by city council to serve six-year terms. The commission handles various city personnel issues, including administering civil service exams and appointing and certifying people from eligible lists.
The most recent development comes after a number of disagreements between the commission and city officials.
City Manager Mark Palesh proposed in the city's 2008-2009 budget to cut funding for the secretary to civil service. Appointed by the commissioners, the secretary helps carry out the day-to-day business of the office.
Welch expressed frustration after the budget was released and said the commission intended to argue against the cut in front of city council.
In April, the commission denied a request from Palesh and city officials to allow the fire and police departments to hire new individuals laterally, or from other departments. Welch said at the time that the city should hire local people from its own list of eligible applicants.
Looking further back, Auburn voters turned down a referendum to eliminate the commission altogether and transfer its function to a personnel officer.
Welch said Wednesday that the series of arguments between the city and commission has been “one of the craziest” things he has experienced “in (his) entire life.” Civil service has always tried to cooperate with the city, he said.
“This commission has always done the best we can,” Welch said. “The only thing we haven't done is give them the (lateral) transfers.”
Palesh said Wednesday that he was not aware of Welch's intentions and declined further comment.
City Councilor Thomas McNabb said Welch called him Wednesday afternoon to inform him. McNabb said it wasn't necessary, and that he believed the council would have re-appointed Welch.
McNabb added that the issues between the city and civil service are examples of an administration trying to run the commission.
“(The Civil Service Commission) is a tool of the public and the watchdog for the taxpayers,” McNabb said. “The only ones they answer to are in Albany.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
