Timothy R. Hogues

The commission reviewed numerous municipal and local government resolutions primarily concerning amendments to civil service appendices and text. Key actions involved the review of requests for non-competitive jurisdictional class changes, including several HELPS Program related titles. While the majority of requests were approved, some were disapproved without prejudice, including specific title additions in Chemung-Elmira, Erie, Ulster, Washington, and Westchester counties. Additionally, some resolutions in Westchester County were approved pending gubernatorial action, and certain requests in Steuben and Westchester counties were withdrawn by the respective departments.

The commission reviewed numerous requests from various county and city civil service departments regarding the amendment of appendices, with several requests approved, some disapproved, and others requiring further action or stipulation. The commission also considered multiple requests for pension waivers for retirees under Section 211 of the Retirement and Social Security Law, granting several approvals and limited approvals subject to specific recruitment requirements for various positions across multiple jurisdictions.

The Commission addressed various municipal service resolutions, including amendments to appendices and text for numerous county and city civil service departments across New York State. Several requests regarding pension waivers for retirees under Section 211 of the Retirement and Social Security Law were reviewed, with many approved, some retroactively, and others granted limited approval subject to additional recruitment efforts or examination results. The Commission also accepted the Summary of Annual Reports for 2025.

The commission reviewed numerous resolutions regarding the amendment of appendices and texts for various local government civil service departments, resulting in several approvals, some partial approvals, and some disapprovals or withdrawals. Additionally, the commission evaluated multiple requests for pension waivers for retirees under Section 211 of the Retirement and Social Security Law, granting approvals or limited approvals for various positions including library directors, deputy sheriffs, special patrol officers, and department commissioners, often with stipulations regarding future recruitment or examination requirements.

This document outlines the New York State Department of Civil Service's strategic plan for transforming its merit system hiring process. The plan focuses on streamlining the open competitive appointment process by transitioning to vacancy-based Training & Experience (T&E) exams, leveraging an online applicant management system, and eliminating administrative barriers. Key objectives include upholding constitutional mandates of merit and fitness, enhancing efficiency, improving the candidate and HR experience, and attracting a diverse workforce. Additionally, the plan addresses the transformation of promotional examination processes through the rollout of computer-based testing centers. The overall aim is to reduce the time from application to hire and position New York State as an employer of choice.