Establishment of merit system -- Separate systems for peace officers and firemen recognized -- Options of small counties

(1) A merit system of personnel administration for the counties of the state of Utah, county departments, county offices, and county agencies, except as otherwise specifically provided, is established. (2) (a) This part recognizes the existence of the merit systems for: (i) county law enforcement officers as provided in Chapter 76, Part 2, Deputy Sheriff Merit System, and Chapter 76, Part 3, Peace Officer Merit System in Counties of the First Class; and (ii) county firefighters, as provided in Chapter 76, Part 5, Firefighters' Civil Service Commission. (b) The intent of this part, Part 5, Career Service, and Part 6, Office of Personnel Management, is to give counties the option to use: (i) a single merit system for all county employees; or (ii) a merit system in combination with the existing systems described in Subsection (2)(a). (3) A county that has fewer than 200 employees not covered by other merit systems or not exempt under Section 17-75-502 may comply with the merit system provisions of this chapter. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (3), any county that complied with the merit system provisions of this chapter prior to May 6, 2002, shall continue to comply with the merit system provisions of this chapter even though the county may not thereafter meet or exceed the threshold requirements of Subsection (3).