With AG opinion in hand, Trussville considers leaving Jefferson County Personnel Board

The city of Trussville is considering leaving the Jefferson County Personnel Board and forming its own city board, Mayor Buddy Choat said on Wednesday.

“The City Council of Trussville authorized our City Attorney to seek an opinion from the Attorney General’s office to explore the city’s option to form its own merit system,” a statement issued by City Clerk Lynn Porter reads. “The Attorney General’s office released its opinion stating that the city is not required to remain in the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, but is free, should it choose, to form its own merit system.”

No timeline has been set, and no firm decision has been made.

“Any rights our employees have with the JCPB which have vested will be protected should the city determine that creating its own merit system is in the best interest of the city and its employees,” according to the statement.

“We’re always looking to do what’s best for the city and our employees,” Choat said. “We will carefully consider our options and the council will determine the best decision for everyone involved.”

The JCPB has been under federal court order for its hiring practice for decades. Currently, Federal Judge Lynwood Smith has authority over the board. Smith has appointed Lorren Oliver as director of the JCPB and court-appointed receiver over the county’s human resources department.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office recently left the purview of the board.