Sec. 33-6. Definitions.

In this article, the following words and phrases have the following meanings:

Board: The merit system protection board as described in section 403 of the county charter.

County employees: All persons employed by the county regardless of merit system status.

Domestic partner. A person who was registered as the domestic partner of a County employee with the Office of Human Resources on or before June 27, 2016 in a domestic partnership that did not end before the County employee’s death. This definition applies throughout this Chapter unless otherwise indicated.

Illegal or improper actions: Any actions which violate any law or regulation, or which constitute a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

Merit system employees: All persons who are employed by the county in full-time or part-time year-round permanent career positions in any department/office/agency of the executive and legislative branches of the county government or in any other position specifically so designated by law.

Removal: The separation of a merit system employee through dismissal, involuntary resignation or abolishment of his or her position for reasons or circumstances determined by the board as being other than a bona fide reduction of funds or work.

Supervisor: The chief administrative officer and all subordinate personnel exercising supervisory functions in the capacity of a public employer.