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.