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King County Personnel Board

The King County Personnel Board was created by the County Charter, Article 5, Section 540, to hear and decide certain kinds of appeals from County employees who are members of the Career Service, and who choose not to pursue a grievance procedure under an applicable bargaining agreement, if any.

Rules

The King County Personnel Board is an independent Board of King County established pursuant to Section 540 of the King County Charter and Chapter 3.08 of the King County Code. Rules establishing procedures governing the conduct of appeal hearings before the Board are adopted pursuant to King County Code sections 3.08.100 and 3.12.290, and Section 540 of the King County Charter.

For more information, please review the King County Personnel Board Rules of Practice and Procedure.

Hearings

Prehearing Conference

The Personnel Board will hold a prehearing conference with the employee/employee’s representative and the County’s representative to identify hearing issues including, but not limited to:

  • Determining the amount of time needed to present the case.
  • Establishing a schedule for identifying witnesses and exchanging exhibits.
  • Encouraging the possibility of resolving the issue prior to a hearing.<

These conferences are informal; no testimony is taken, nor any record made.

Hearings

Personnel Board hearings usually convene on Fridays, are open to the public, and are informal proceedings. The employee has the burden of proof for all cases, except disciplinary cases where the burden of proof lies with the County. The party with the burden of proof presents first and testimony is under oath. Each party with be given the opportunity to make an opening statement. Witnesses are subject to cross examination and the board may also question any witnesses.

The board is not bound by strict rules of evidence but requires that the evidence presented be competent and reliable. The board may recess the hearing to meet in an executive session and will deliberate following the conclusion of the formal presentations.

Personnel Board hearings are currently held remotely. Please review the King County Personnel Board Remote Hearing Protocols and Guidelines for more information.

Decision

Following the hearing, the parties will submit written closing statements in the form of post-hearing briefs. The board will deliberate and make a determination based on the evidence and arguments presented. Among other things, the board is authorized to order the restoration of rank or pay, with or without loss of benefits and pay, and the allocation or reallocation of positions. The decision of the board is final unless appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction within 14 calendar days.

Appeals

Appeal Process

Any Career Service employee may appeal to the Personnel Board; from any action pertaining to the methods of examination, appointment or promotion; from any suspension for more than sixty days, reduction in rank or pay, or removal; and from any classification or reclassification of positions.

Notice of Appeal requirements

  • The notice of appeal shall include a statement identifying the action from which the appeal is taken, the grounds for the appeal, and the relief requested.
  • Appeals must be made in writing and addressed to the Personnel Board or its Chair.
  • Appeals can be filed and served electronically by email to the Personnel Board at PersonnelBoard@kingcounty.gov and the Director of Human Resources at Jay.Osborne@kingcounty.gov.
  • The employee must submit a copy of the notice to the Director of Human Resources within three (3) business days of filing if not already provided.

Timeliness of appeals

  • Disciplinary action appeals must be filed within 30 days of the employee having been notified of the disciplinary action or within 10 days of the employee having been given written notice following completion of the grievance or appeal process.
  • All other appeals must be filed within 14 days of either the date the appealed action was taken or the date the employee was provided written notification of the action.
  • The appeal shall be deemed timely filed if it is received by the Personnel Board or the Department of Human Resources within the applicable period or mailed (postmarked) within the applicable period.
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